Pep Guardiola explains Phil Foden decision as midfielder rested against Crystal Palace
manchestereveningnews.co.ukPep Guardiola says that Phil Foden's minutes are simply being managed amid a busy run-in, as it was announced the midfielder starts on the bench against Crystal Palace.
The Englishman has been influential in maintaining City's push for a fourth consecutive Premier League title. He has registered 14 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances this season, including a hat-trick in midweek against Aston Villa, with the club three points off leaders Liverpool and one shy of second-placed Arsenal.
Saturday's early kick-off at Selhurst Park presents the opportunity for City to leapfrog both of their rivals and heap on the pressure ahead of their respective fixtures, however if Foden is to have an impact it must be from the bench. LIVE UPDATES: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City LIVE READ MORE: I'm happy where I am at Man City - why can't we win everything again? "It was difficult [to leave him out] but not just him, all the guys as a manager when you don’t allow players to play," Guardiola explained to TNT Sports ahead of kick-off. "My decisions are tough, always.
But it is a lot of games, we have a lot. "Look at the game Phil played against Arsenal, 96 minutes, and friendly games with the national team - he could not move.
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