Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has candidly acknowledged the impact of burnout on his performance as he navigates a slow start to the current football season. Foden, who showcased his talent by scoring in City's dominating 5-0 victory over Sparta Prague, revealed that last year’s relentless schedule has left him needing time to regain his best form.

Reflecting on the exhausting season past, which kicked off in early August and culminated in a grueling Euro 2024 final in mid-July, Foden stated, “Last year there were so many games. I put everything I could into it. I came back a little bit fatigued; which is normal." This fatigue appears to be a common theme among several players, including fellow teammate Rodri.

The talented midfielder faced a challenging path after playing a staggering 69 matches for both club and country last season. Foden's excellent performance earned him the title of Premier League's best player, where he helped City secure a record fourth consecutive title by netting 19 goals. Nevertheless, his opportunities have been limited this term, with only one league start against Fulham in a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Describing his current state, Foden mentioned, “I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness, and a few niggles as well. But if you speak to any player, they've all been through it—the ups and downs of football. It was just a bump in the road. I’m delighted to be back and enjoying my football.”

In a related note, Matheus Nunes, who transferred from Wolves for a hefty £53 million ($69 million) last year, expressed that he is finally settling in at Manchester City. After spending much of last season on the bench, Nunes made a statement in the match against Sparta by scoring a penalty, contributing to the team's victory while asserting, “I feel like I have settled in the best this season. I am calmer and not putting pressure on myself, which is evident to everyone.”

As Foden continues to navigate his recovery from burnout, fans and coaching staff alike will be watching closely to see if he can reclaim the brilliant form that once made him one of the standout players in the league. With the pressure of both club ambitions and personal goals weighing on his shoulders, can Foden rise to the occasion this season? Stay tuned to find out!