Enzo Maresca's Heartfelt Conversations Helping Phil Foden's Return to Form

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 23, 2026

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has held multiple in-depth talks with midfielder Phil Foden to help revive his form after a recent decline. This targeted support has already coincided with Foden’s improved performances, signaling a potential return to his best and a key role for both club and country moving forward.

Enzo Maresca has engaged in a series of in-depth conversations with Phil Foden as part of a concerted effort to revitalize the Manchester City midfielder’s career. Since taking over as Manchester City manager this summer, Maresca has focused on helping the 26-year-old regain the level of performance that saw him earn the PFA Player of the Year award in 2024.

Foden, a product of City’s youth academy, experienced a significant decline in form over the past two years, during which he went ten months without scoring and missed out on selection for England’s World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel. Maresca, who previously worked with Foden during his tenure as an assistant to Pep Guardiola, has expressed confidence in the midfielder’s ability, emphasizing the importance of support and readiness to reestablish himself at the top level.

“I sat down with Phil two or three times, especially at the beginning, just to show him how important he is,” Maresca said, highlighting the personal nature of their discussions. He acknowledged that Foden’s recent goals—four in the last two matches, including a Champions League hat-trick against AEK Athens and a crucial performance in a win over Ipswich Town—are encouraging signs but cautioned against viewing these as definitive evidence of a full return to previous form.

Maresca described it as his responsibility to help Foden become one of England’s best players once again. “For different reasons, the last few years he was not good enough,” Maresca noted. “When you have more players like Phil available, you are a better team. It’s my duty to try to help him.”

Foden himself acknowledged that while progress has been made, there remains a "long way to go" before he feels he has fully recaptured his peak performance. Maresca also emphasized that sustained readiness and enjoyment are crucial factors over the course of the long season.

By fostering a supportive environment and focusing on incremental improvement, Maresca aims to restore Foden’s confidence and consistency, potentially reestablishing him as a key figure within both Manchester City and the England national team.

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