As Manchester City prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Phil Foden has highlighted the significance of this pivotal Premier League clash. With City winless in their last six matches, Foden insists the team must secure victory to revitalise their season.
The Must-Win Mentality
Speaking ahead of the game, Foden underlined the expectations that come with wearing the City shirt, regardless of recent struggles:
“Playing in a Man City shirt, there are expectations – I don’t think going to Anfield on Sunday is any different. Just because the recent results haven’t been right, it doesn’t change much. We have to go there and win. It’s a must-win game – we have to think like this.”
“Football is a funny old game, and anything can happen. It’s still early – Liverpool are looking strong and looking like they’re not going to lose many points. We’ll see what happens.”
Reflecting on Feyenoord Draw
Foden admitted the squad was stunned after surrendering a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League midweek, which ended in a 3-3 draw. However, the team is determined to move past their recent disappointments.
“Obviously there was a bit of disbelief. We were controlling the full game, but it is what it is. The last few days have been about getting over the result and letting it go.”
The England international believes that while City’s performances haven’t been poor, luck has not been on their side:
“It’s not like the performances have been shocking. They have been a good enough level to get results, but we’ve not come out with any. Teams have hurt us. It’s just the way it’s been recently.”
A Turning Point for Foden?
Foden acknowledged he hasn’t yet reached the heights of his form from last season but is eager to make a mark at Anfield:
“I feel my performances have been OK. Every footballer goes through stages like this – it’s about keeping going and hopefully it will come good soon.”
He added that scoring his first Premier League goal of the season in such a crucial match would be ideal, but his priority is a team result:
“It would be a nice time to kick off my Premier League goals, but the main thing is getting a result. It doesn’t matter about me. As long as the team gets a result, it will give us a lot of confidence.”
The Rivalry’s Importance
The City-Liverpool rivalry has defined English football in recent years, and Foden acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion:
“It’s massive. It’s obviously one of the biggest rivalries at the moment and over the past few years. It’s a big occasion for me and it’s a game you want to play well in. It’s these games you look forward to.”
Key Takeaway
With an eight-point gap between the two sides, City must deliver a statement performance at Anfield. For Foden and his teammates, Sunday represents a chance to turn their season around against a formidable Liverpool side.
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