MAD FOR IT
City ready to Phil their boots in the second leg
WHIZZ-KID Phil Foden admits Manchester City have become obsessed with beating Real Madrid in the Champions League.
City host Real in the return leg of their last-16 showdown on August 7, holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg in the Spanish capital before lockdown.
It promises to be one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history and one that could go on to define their entire season.
Pep Guardiola’s men conceded the title to Liverpool months ago and exited the FA Cup semi-final last weekend after defeat to Arsenal.
The City boss has refused to give his stars a break after Sunday’s final league game and vowed to put them through a boot camp in preparation for the visit of Zinedine Zidane’s La Liga champions.
Foden admits everything is now geared up to beating the Spanish giants to keep alive hopes of conquering Europe for the first time.
He said: “We’ve got a lot of time before that game, so we have to work hard in training to prepare for it as best we can.
“It’s really good that all the attacking players are scoring goals and assisting leading up to that game.
“It feels like everyone can score when they see the goal and that is the level we set in our team.
“We are fully prepared for that game but we have to keep working hard.
“It’s going to be a massive game for this club so hopefully we can get over the line.
“Our mindset is on Real
Madrid and we are going to do everything we can to prepare right. Hopefully on the day we turn up with a good performance.”
Foden is in the form of his life after firing eight goals in what has been his breakthrough season with City.
But the rising star of English football admits he doesn’t have a clue why he’s been playing so well
Foden added: “I’m not sure what’s behind it.
“Players drop in and out of form but I’ve been going well, finding the net.
“Hopefully I can keep it going. I’m not sure what the difference has been but I’m happy with it.
“Every year I try to get my stats higher in terms of goals and assists. I just wanted to improve from last season.
“I’m still only 20 so to score and assist gives you a lot of confidence. I just try to keep on top of that and keep wanting to do it.
“I’m full of confidence at the moment. I’d like to keep this form up.”
■