Pep Guardiola has backed Phil Foden and believes he can play in a number of attacking positions for Manchester City.

When asked why he didn’t use Foden in the middle of his attack, Southgate said earlier this week that people should “talk to Pep.”

Southgate meant that because Foden usually plays on the sides for City, it was hard for him to put the 23-year-old in the middle for international games.

Foden wasn’t always at his best last season, even though City made a historic run to win the Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.

When asked about Foden’s role on City’s team before the three-time champions’ trip to West Ham this weekend, Guardiola backed up his player.

“I have an incredible relationship with Gareth. A comment from me? It looks like I disagree with him and I completely agree with him,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“When you play outside it is a completely different role but he knows, I know, that Phil can play in all positions up front – in the middle, outside right, left, in the pockets.

“But, as Gareth has said, in the pockets you have another responsibility, especially without the ball. Sometimes you don’t have to be so smart to read what happens every moment.

“But the important thing is Phil can play in the five positions up front without a problem and this is a big, big advantage for him.

“I saw the friendly game against Scotland. He started playing in the right, but moved and was most of the time inside. So the players move right, left, inside, outside. In the end it’s not a big issue.”

Guardiola will be back in charge for the West Ham game. He missed the last two games while he was in Spain recovering from back surgery.

Even though he wasn’t there, his assistant Juanma Lillo led City to wins over Sheffield United and Fulham to keep their title defence perfect.

“I’m getting better, three weeks after surgery. The doctor made a good job and, step by step, I think every week will be better,” Guardiola said.