In the third round of the Champions League group stage, Manchester City defeated AEK Athens 5-1 at home. Foden scored a hat-trick and was named Player of the Match. After the game, Foden spoke to TNT Sports about his favorite goal, his return to form, and the tactical freedom his manager gives him.
Reporter: Phil, congratulations! You scored a hat-trick tonight and had a very significant impact on the match. How much did you enjoy playing out there tonight?
Foden: I really enjoyed the game. The lads put in another fantastic performance, and we showed great determination again. Sometimes the game wasn't pretty, and we made some sloppy passes, but I think we stuck to our game plan and didn't give up. We kept pushing and managed to break down their defense in the end. So, overall, I'm very happy.
Reporter: You certainly did. Of the three goals, which one was your favorite? Was it the second one? The finish on that shot was excellent.
Foden: To be honest, it was probably the second goal, mainly because of the way it went in. I'm very happy to be consistently scoring goals now. After all, I'm a forward, so I have to keep scoring and keep helping the team. It can only be good for my confidence.
Reporter: Speaking of confidence, you look very confident out there now. Do you feel like you're gradually returning to your best form?
Foden: Yes, I'm getting back into form little by little. Of course, I still have a long way to go to reach my peak, but I'm definitely moving in the right direction. And scoring goals consistently during this process certainly helps. So, I just want to keep working hard, keep improving, and try to show my best for the manager and the team.
Reporter: How much creative freedom does the manager give you? How much freedom do you have on the pitch?
Foden: A lot. Especially since I started playing as a false nine, I've really enjoyed that position. I can find space between the two defensive lines, get into the areas where I like to operate, and also participate more effectively in the team's attacking build-up. So, I really enjoyed playing in that role tonight.
Reporter: Manchester City fielded a very young squad tonight. You used to be a young player in the team, but tonight you were the third oldest player in the starting lineup. What kind of role do you take on in the dressing room when you're surrounded by such a young team? Do you try to guide and help your younger teammates on the pitch?
Foden: Yes, I just try my best to help them, and I share that responsibility with the team captains, like Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland. We're all trying to help these young players. And it also shows the manager's trust in them. You know, we have a lot of injured players right now, but the manager isn't afraid to give young players a chance. They've been performing very well in training recently, so they deserved to play tonight. I'm really happy for them.
Reporter: Phil, congratulations! You were named Player of the Match. A fantastic performance tonight.
Foden: Thank you.
AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com