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The Enzo Maresca era at Manchester City has officially begun, and Phil Foden has acknowledged that while the team's style will be "very similar" to what they played under Pep Guardiola, there are still "things that are a bit different."
Foden has spent his entire career at Man City, with all 369 of his appearances coming under Guardiola's management. Early in Maresca's tenure, Foden says he can already detect the tactical adjustments the Italian manager is looking to implement—however subtle they may be.
"It's very similar to how we played under Pep, but there are still things that are a bit different," Foden said ahead of City's second preseason friendly. "I don't want to give too much away about how we play. Maybe the defending is a bit different in terms of how we set up.
"We have different ideas about how to play out from the back. A different variety of things on the ball. Different things, but we are very comfortable because we want to build from the back and try to create, so I think it suits everyone really well.
"I've found it good, to be honest. All I have known is Pep Guardiola, so moving to a new manager feels like a fresh start. I am enjoying it. I am enjoying the new coaching staff and I like the ideas and the way we are playing. I am excited for the new season and hopefully we can have a really good year."
Foden Ready for Next Step With New Role at Man City
Man City's clear objective heading into the 2026–27 season is reclaiming the Premier League title in Maresca's debut campaign. After winning the league in six of seven seasons, the Sky Blues have fallen short of the title in each of the last two.
Foden was named the Premier League's best player the last time City claimed the title in 2023–24. Now, as the club's longest-serving player, he is determined not only to rediscover that form but also to assume a more prominent role as a dressing room leader.
"I think I have to be really [a leader]," Foden revealed. "Obviously I have been at the club for so long, I am one of the last remaining players to have been here for a long time. So I think I have to be, this season, one of the leaders, one of the captains or in and around it for sure. I am looking forward to that new responsibility and trying to take leadership [on].
"What [Maresca] wants from me right now is to set an example for the younger players on tour," Foden added. "To train well, keep my head down, work hard, and be a good role model for the young lads. That's what I have been trying to do, really."
Bernardo Silva and John Stones were among the most senior voices in City's dressing room last season, and both departed the club over the summer. Rodri, another key leader, could also be on his way out as interest from Barcelona and especially Real Madrid continues to grow.
Foden captained City in their preseason opener against Inter Milan. At 25 years old, the City academy product is no longer the bright-eyed young talent he once was, and 2026–27 cannot be another disappointing campaign.
Foden Entering Make-or-Break Season
Beyond stepping up as a leader, Foden's main priority must be returning to the level that saw him play a central role in City's dominant run, which included a first-ever Champions League title in 2022–23. The following season, as mentioned, he was even more impressive.
However, inconsistency has dogged Foden over the past two years and his involvement at City dropped significantly. He showed promise at the start of the 2025–26 campaign, but managed just three starts in 14 Premier League matches from February onwards as City were pipped by Arsenal in the title race.
His 23 goals across all competitions over the last two seasons are four fewer than his total from 2023–24 alone, and his 14 assists in that period are only one more than the 13 he registered during his Premier League Player of the Year season.
Foden's dip in form ultimately cost him a spot in England's 2026 World Cup squad—something that would have seemed inconceivable just two years prior.
As a new chapter begins under Maresca, Foden is also entering what should be the peak years of his career. This is a pivotal season for the six-time Premier League winner to rediscover his best and return to the heights that once had him regarded as one of the finest young players on the planet.