Pep Guardiola’s passion can make you ‘obsessed’ with football: Phil Foden | Football News

Manchester City forward Phil Foden believes that coach Pep Guardiola’s rabid intensity and passion for the game has rubbed off on the team, and led to the development of a winning culture among the playing group — much of whom have won five Premier League titles in the last seven seasons under the Spanish coach.
Guardiola’s emotional side has been exposed this week as City gave up a three-goal lead to Feyenoord in the Champions League on the back of four consecutive defeats in all competitions. The coach even showed up for media duties with scratches on his head and nose, light-heartedly claiming he did it himself to ‘hurt himself’ before walking back on those comments.
In an interview with British newspaper The Times, Foden said his coach’s intensity is infectious. “He (Pep Guardiola) is fiery — at the right times,” the 24-year-old said. “But also he has the very nice side… He’s caring.”
“In the (City) dressing room we’re all just playing two touches before a big game. That’s the way we are. It’s just the lads, how much they love football. I am obsessed. He (Pep Guardiola) brings it to us, the way he’s so passionate, always pushing us every day. That kind of rubs off and makes you more obsessed. His team talks are so motivational,” he added.
Foden’s development as a footballer has happened exclusively under Pep Guardiola, with his rise as a young academy product from City to among the best players in the Premier League.
The British forward has credited Guardiola for managing him well as a young player and bringing him up through the ranks.
“(Guardiola helped ) not rushing me too early, developing me, waiting for the right time to put me in the first team,” he said, adding: “He gives you the tools but you’ve got to go and do it at the end of the day. And I went into a changing room at a young age, full of grown men who were very experienced players. You’ve got to kind of handle that situation on your own and try to impress.”