Phil Foden played a full 90 minutes for the first time this season on Tuesday as Manchester City beat Watford 2-1 to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
With star striker Erling Haaland rested by manager Pep Guardiola and with Julian Alvarez having been sold to Atletico Madrid over the summer, Foden was deployed in a more attacking role than usual.
The England ace played as a false nine ahead of Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and James McAtee.
Foden touched the ball 80 times, played two key passes and registered six shots, although only one of them hit the target.
After the final whistle, Guardiola had some words of advice for Foden and he decided to deliver them in the middle of the pitch, rather than in the City dressing room.
Phil Foden (centre) pictured in action for Man City during Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Watford
City manager Pep Guardiola (right) wanted to speak with Foden on the pitch after full-time
Foden pictured making direct eye contact with Guardiola during their post-match session
Foden appeared to be listening intently as an animated Guardiola spoke and gestured, while the rest of the players were shaking hands with each other.
This was not the first time that Guardiola had chosen to dish out tactical advice in full view of the public.
The former Barcelona boss appeared to demand more from Erling Haaland at the start of the half-time break during an away game at Burnley last season, despite the Norwegian having just scored two goals.
Guardiola has also previously dished out similar lectures to Grealish and Raheem Sterling.
After being criticised by beIN SPORTS anchor Richard Keys for conducting these one-on-one ‘mini training sessions’ during and immediately after matches, Guardiola was asked last year why he liked to ‘coach’ his players when so many people were watching.
Guardiola used his hands to point and gesture as he dished out tactical advice to Foden
Manager Guardiola hugged 24-year-old Foden before ending their public ‘training session’
Guardiola hit back sarcastically: ‘I do it for the cameras. For my ego. I’m the most famous person of the team. I need the cameras to go to sleep with incredible satisfaction.
‘That’s the reason why, always I try to criticise the player there and let them feel how bad they are.’
