Foden: only 91 PL mins. by Jan.
Pep: ‘He is going to stay with us (for) many many years. He plays because we believe he can play.’
When a manager is confident that youngster suits their intended game model, it is worth keeping them in the squad—even at the expense of game time.

Guardiola emphasizes that ALL players in the squad are there because he is confident that they can contribute. This manifests beyond just game time:
— undergoing the manager’s deliberate training plan
— keeping training competitive (super important & often overlooked)❗️

— being part of the dressing room, travelling squad, & the bench
— shadowing a senior pro. who currently fulfills their projected role
— receiving direct feedback from the coaching staff
Crucially, it also provides staff more opportunities to assess the youngster’s application.

Here are questions that the staff can better answer with the youngster in the squad:
— Can they compete physically at this level?
— How well do they carry out tactical & training instructions?
— How do they apply themselves?
Then, they are able to (re)project fit & potential.

My take is that loans don’t necessarily improve a player’s talent. It just helps them find a niche on/off the pitch.
At elite academies, a player’s skillset—bar physique—is often definable by graduation, hence why decisions can be made around who to release/extend/promote.