Foden Eyes Revival Under Maresca After 31-match Scoreless Run

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is targeting a return to form under new manager Enzo Maresca, having failed to score in his last 31 appearances for club and country.

The 26-year-old, who was named PFA Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season after scoring 19 goals in the 2023-24 title-winning campaign, has struggled to replicate that form over the past two seasons. He managed just 10 goals last term and has since endured a prolonged goal drought that contributed to his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite his dip in output, City offered Foden a new four-year deal last month, extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2030—a gesture the academy product says has given him renewed focus.

“It has made me feel relaxed and I can just concentrate on being the best version of me and give back to the football club for them trusting in me,” Foden said. “It is nice to see the support from the club and obviously it means a lot. It’s about time I try and repay them and give back to the club.”

Now working under Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola at the end of last season and previously coached Foden in the City academy, the midfielder is embracing a clean slate.

“Very good—a fresh start, a new manager and up to now, really enjoying it,” Foden said of his summer. “It is very strange but I know Enzo from before, so that also helps. I know him quite well and what [he] is about. That has definitely helped, to have that relationship with him.”

Foden, who has made 369 appearances for City since his debut at 17, winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups, also endured off-field issues and an ankle injury last season. He says he is now “fully fit.”

Maresca, who reached out to Foden after his England omission, stressed the importance of the player’s happiness. “Phil is very important, like the rest. Knowing Phil from years ago, I know how good he is,” the Italian said. “It is my duty to help him be the Phil we all want. First of all, to be happy and enjoy football is most important. If he feels good, he can help us win titles.”

Maresca takes charge of City for the first time in Saturday’s friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong. Despite the departures of Guardiola, captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, Foden remains optimistic about the season ahead.

“I think we can win everything, but it’s obviously hard,” he said. “We have still got an unbelievable team.”