'Phil Foden has the quality to play in this team but I won't play young players because they're young': Pep Guardiola hits back at Gary Neville

Pep Guardiola has hit back at claims by Gary Neville that Manchester City prospect Phil Foden is at 'the wrong Manchester club'.

Foden, 17, has progressed through City's academy and starred on his first-team debut in the Manchester derby in Houston last week.

However, former Old Trafford defender Neville believes that he will not get the same opportunities with City as he would at United because of all the high-profile signings brought in by Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola has responded to comments made by Gary Neville about Phil Foden

Pep Guardiola has responded to comments made by Gary Neville about Phil Foden

Foden made an impressive appearance for Manchester City against Manchester United

Foden made an impressive appearance for Manchester City against Manchester United

The City boss responded by saying: 'Which is the right club? It's a question to Gary Neville.


'My history is there. I'm not going to put young players in the squad because they are young. They will be in the squad because they have quality. I don't have problems with that.

'The club is working well in terms of the academy. There are many players with good prospects for the future. 

Neville suggested that the 17-year-old forward would not get a chance in the City first team

Neville suggested that the 17-year-old forward would not get a chance in the City first team

'We will be patient with those guys. They are going to train with us most, or part of, the season.

'Phil Foden is going to play in the next games. He has quality to play in that team.

'I'm so happy to have him. He's a Mancunian, a City fan, a humble guy. He's a fighter. He looks skinny but he's a strong guy.'

Referring to Neville, he added: 'I thought even the journalist in the summer time were on holidays but I realise he is not.'

But Guardiola says that Foden has the quality to make it in his senior squad at the Etihad

But Guardiola says that Foden has the quality to make it in his senior squad at the Etihad