Foden aims to repay Man City faith in fresh start

What the report says

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden says he wants to repay the club’s faith in him as he begins what he described as a fresh start under new manager Enzo Maresca. The comments came during City’s pre-season trip to Hong Kong, where Maresca is preparing to take charge for the first time in Saturday’s friendly against Inter Milan.

BBC Sport reports that Foden, 26, signed a four-year contract last month keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2030. The new deal followed a difficult spell in which his form dipped after a standout 2023-24 campaign that brought 19 goals, major individual awards and another Premier League title for City. He has said that the club’s backing has helped him feel more settled and focused on contributing again.

Foden’s recent struggles have included a goal drought stretching across his past 31 appearances for club and country, as well as injuries and off-field issues last season. He also missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad after starting the Euro 2024 final. Maresca, who previously worked at City, said it is his job to help Foden rediscover his best level.

The forward-thinking midfielder, a City academy graduate, has made 369 appearances for the club and won six league titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups. He said the new manager relationship is already helping, and that he believes City still have the quality to compete for major honours despite changes in leadership and personnel.