Marcus Rashford and John Stones Reacts to Phil Foden message after Fans Destroyed Him
Phil Foden kept a positive outlook despite facing criticism from Man City fans for his performance against Bournemouth.
Man City secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a comeback victory on 30 March, overcoming an early setback after Evanilson’s opener.
Second-half goals from Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush ensured Guardiola’s side will now face Nottingham Forest in the next round.
Despite the result, Foden came under fire from Man City supporters for a below-par display. This only added to the scrutiny Foden faced from England fans during international break.
Still, the midfielder appeared unfazed, sharing an upbeat message with fans after the match.
Phil Foden Manchester City
Phil Foden has faced a tough season at Man City (Credit: Imago)
Phil Foden faces mounting pressure at Man City staff after Bournemouth performance
The 24-year-old took to Instagram after City’s FA Cup victory, posting: “We’re off to Wembley”.
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His message that received plenty of reactions from teammates John Stones and Marmoush, as well as Marcus Rashford.
While Rashford delivered a standout performance for Aston Villa in their FA Cup quarter-final win over Preston, Foden’s form has been a growing concern. The midfielder has struggled for consistency this season, failing to match the heights of his previous campaigns.
Mick Brown, former chief scout at Manchester United, suggested that Foden is struggling with the pressure at Man City and stepping up as their main creative force and eventually succeeding Kevin De Bruyne.
Earlier in the season, Football Insider revealed that Man City’s coaching staff had raised concerns over Foden and his performances in what has been an underwhelming campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Despite the criticism, the Spanish manager has kept faith in Foden, who has featured 39 times this season, scoring 10 goals.
Match statistics Phil Foden
Minutes played 69′
Shots 1
Dribble attempts 0
Possession lost 9
Phil Foden vs Bournemouth via Sofascore.
John Stones’ injury woes spark speculation over Man City exit
While Stones has been active on social media alongside Foden, he too has faced scrutiny from supporters.
The defender has struggled with recurring injuries, with a hamstring problem in February—raising further doubts over his long-term future at the club.
Some Man City fans have called for the club to move on from Stones due to his persistent fitness issues. Those calls may soon be answered, as Man City are open to offers for Stones this summer.
With the club already undergoing a squad refresh following an active January transfer window, Stones’ place in Guardiola’s long-term plans remains uncertain.
Phil Foden, the talented Manchester City midfielder, has recently faced significant criticism from fans due to a series of underwhelming performances for both his club and the England national team. Despite his evident skill and previous accolades, including the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, Foden’s recent form has sparked intense debate among supporters and pundits alike.
Fan Criticism and Social Media Backlash
The discontent among fans became particularly evident following Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in February 2025. Supporters expressed their frustration on social media platforms, with comments highlighting Foden’s perceived lack of impact during crucial matches. One fan remarked, “Foden’s been poor, seriously poor,” while another questioned his status as a world-class player, stating, “Foden’s not world class. Leave your academy bias aside. He does not have the ability to step up and impact a game when the team is down.”
Such critiques were not isolated incidents. Following a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, fans were infuriated by the team’s performance, with particular disappointment directed at Foden. Supporters accused him of a dramatic decline following his Player of the Season accolade, expressing frustration over his perceived lack of effort and impact on the pitch.
Phil Foden’s Response
In light of the mounting criticism, Foden maintained a positive outlook. He addressed the situation by posting a message on social media, expressing his determination to improve and contribute more effectively to his team’s success. This proactive approach aimed to acknowledge the fans’ concerns while demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth.
Support from Marcus Rashford and John Stones
Foden’s message did not go unnoticed by his peers. Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United forward, and John Stones, Foden’s teammate at Manchester City, publicly supported him. Their reactions underscored the solidarity among professional footballers, especially during times of public scrutiny.
Rashford, who has faced similar challenges in his career, resonated with Foden’s sentiments. He emphasized the importance of resilience and maintaining focus amidst criticism. Drawing from his own experiences, Rashford highlighted the necessity of perseverance and the support system provided by teammates and coaches.
John Stones also defended Foden, acknowledging the pressures that come with professional football. He emphasized Foden’s dedication and work ethic, expressing confidence in his ability to overcome the current challenges and return to top form. Stones’ support highlighted the camaraderie within the team and the collective effort to uplift each other during difficult times.
Broader Implications and Managerial Perspectives
The situation with Foden also drew attention from football analysts and former players. Gary Neville, for instance, sparked debate by labeling Foden as “undroppable” for England, a stance that was met with disagreement from fellow pundits Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright. They argued that Foden’s inconsistent performances did not warrant an automatic place in the national team lineup, emphasizing the need for merit-based selections.
England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, also weighed in on the matter. He acknowledged the abundance of talented playmakers in the squad and emphasized the importance of balance and form when selecting the team. Tuchel’s comments suggested that while Foden possesses immense talent, consistent performances are crucial to secure a spot in the starting eleven.
Conclusion
Phil Foden’s recent experiences highlight the intense scrutiny faced by professional athletes, especially those regarded as top talents. The criticism from fans underscores the high expectations placed upon him, while the support from teammates like Marcus Rashford and John Stones illustrates the solidarity within the football community. As Foden continues to navigate these challenges, his response and future performances will be closely watched by supporters and analysts alike.
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