Enzo Maresca backs 'completely different' Phil Foden to rediscover best form for Manchester City

Foden is determined to revive his City career under Maresca following two challenging seasons since winning the 2023-24 Player of the Year award. That downturn in form eventually cost the 26-year-old his place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, Maresca has noted a clear shift in Foden's mindset since pre-season, handing him a start in the Community Shield against Arsenal, where he featured for an hour in a 3-0 defeat.

Maresca praised the significant progress made by the academy graduate, highlighting both his refreshed attitude and sharp work ethic during training. Discussing Foden's resurgence, Maresca said: "I think Phil had a good game against Arsenal in the last game. He has been sharp and good since day one.

"He looks very, very good and people inside the building are saying that, compared to the last one or two years, Phil is a completely different player in terms of mood, in terms of what he is showing in the sessions. This is what we want. Phil is from the academy, from the house, so it is nice for everyone to see him getting better and better."

After Foden was replaced on the 60-minute mark at the Principality Stadium by Rayan Cherki, speculation grew that the two playmakers would be locked in a direct battle for one starting berth.

Addressing their dynamic, the Italian tactician stated: "They can play together - in different positions - but for sure they are quite similar. At the end, if you want to build an important team, you need competition inside the team. So it's good that Phil and Rayan have that competition, but they can also play together in some games."

Reflecting on launching City's first campaign without Pep Guardiola since 2015-16, Maresca added: "I'm very excited to start this new chapter, this new journey. The target is to carry on from the last 10-15 years."

City kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign on Sunday by welcoming Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium. The fixture could see £116 million summer signing Elliot Anderson make his competitive home debut, though the hosts will be without winger Jeremy Doku due to a calf problem. Maresca is aiming to extend a proud club record, with each of City's last four permanent managers winning their opening league fixture in charge.