Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has said it is his responsibility to help Phil Foden get back to his peak level. The England international ended a lengthy spell without a goal, scoring in City’s 3-2 win over Ipswich last weekend.
Foden went on to complete a Champions League hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens on Tuesday. The 26-year-old was the standout individual performer in the 2023/24 Premier League season, when he scored 27 goals, but he has struggled to reach that level for the past two campaigns. He has previously spoken about dealing with mental health issues.
Maresca’s plan to rebuild Foden’s confidence
Maresca, who took over at City in June, said he had sat down with Foden two or three times, particularly early in his tenure. He said he wanted the player to understand how important he is to the club. He added that he has known Foden for years and understands the reasons his recent seasons fell short.
Also read: Man City's Semenyo sidelined; Haaland fitness race for AEK
“So for me, I think it’s my duty to try to help Phil to be again one of the best players in England,” Maresca said. He also argued that stronger squad depth benefits the whole team, because improving individual players lifts the collective.
City’s strong start overshadowed by sanctions threat
Apart from a 4-2 Champions League loss to holders Paris Saint-Germain, Maresca has enjoyed a flawless start as he replaces Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. He is the first manager to win his opening seven Premier League matches in charge of a new club.
City’s results have been clouded by the prospect of severe punishment for widespread breaches of Premier League financial rules. A large points deduction, which could lead to relegation, is considered likely unless the club wins an appeal against a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of wrongdoing. Maresca said morale in the dressing room remained high despite that uncertainty.
“In any club, when you lose important players, many important players, and you lose the manager after 10 years, it always takes time to compete again,” he said on Thursday. He insisted the club had still been able to compete after making major changes over the summer.
Haaland’s return boosts City ahead of Aston Villa trip
City travel to Aston Villa on Saturday with a boost from the return of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has scored 12 times in nine appearances this season. He missed the AEK Athens match after picking up a foot injury against Ipswich.
Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic and Nico O’Reilly remain doubtful with injuries.
