Foden, now 25, has scored 10 goals in 41 appearances this season and featured for England during the recent international break.

While his numbers have not matched his outstanding 2024 campaign - when he won both the Premier League Player of the Year and Football Writers' awards - Guardiola remained calm.

"He's 25, he's won six Premier Leagues and a lot of things," said Guardiola. "The contribution is incredible. It's a normal process in a long, long career. It's a normal situation. He will click and be back."

City now turn their focus to a crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, with Guardiola eager to maintain his strong record in the competition. The City boss also took time to praise Mohamed Salah, who is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

"One of the greatest," Guardiola said. "The numbers, the consistency, what a player and an incredible human being. Goals, assists - an absolute legend for Liverpool and the Premier League."

Saturday's clash at the Etihad adds another chapter to what Guardiola described as his toughest rivalry. Having previously faced Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot, Guardiola believes Liverpool have set the standard.

"I have said many times, it has been the biggest rival," he explained. "It's a team with top-class players, competing for everything."

He wants his side to match their recent Carabao Cup final performance to progress, adding: "Hopefully we perform at that level again to make the next step."

Despite City's exit from Europe, Guardiola admitted he would rather still be competing in the Champions League, even with the demanding schedule.

"I would love to have a busy schedule, but unfortunately we are out," he said. "We are focused on the next game and what we still have to fight for."

However, he criticised the strain of international fixtures, especially friendlies.

"It is still so difficult to understand," Guardiola said. "After eight or nine months playing every three days, players travel across continents for friendly games. The risk of injury is massive - it makes no sense."

Ivory Coast's Simon Adingra radiant in the afterglow of AFCON triumph