Foden: Man City players continue to believe in ‘process’ and Guardiola

Phil Foden says Manchester City’s players continue to believe in the “process” and manager Pep Guardiola despite rivals Manchester United extending their wretched recent run.

Hopes of securing a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League crown already look to have gone up in smoke given the way things have gone off the rails recently.

Sunday’s crushing 2-1 derby defeat at home to neighbours United leaves City fifth in the standings and nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand on their title rivals.

Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty cancelled out Josko Gvardiol’s header at a shell-shocked Etihad Stadium, where Amad Diallo struck at the death as Guardiola oversaw an eighth loss in 11 matches.

“We are still nowhere near our level, but I still believe that we are playing good enough to get points and results,” attacking midfielder Foden said.

“It’s about remaining focused throughout the full 90 minutes, but we keep switching off at important times. We just need to get the focus right.

“We stick together, regroup and believe in ourselves after what we’ve achieved in the past.

“We keep believing in the process and the manager – I’m sure if we do that we will get back to winning ways and get back to our level.”