Overview
- On Tuesday Phil Foden said he intends to be one of Manchester City’s leaders and to join the club’s captaincy group as the team starts life under Enzo Maresca.
- Foden signed a new four-year contract last month and wore the armband in City’s first Asia tour friendly against Inter Milan as he takes on a visible mentoring role.
- The England forward described Maresca’s arrival as a “fresh start” and praised small tactical tweaks the manager has introduced, especially in defensive shape and how the team plays out from the back.
- City’s squad has seen major summer turnover with John Stones, Nathan Ake and Bernardo Silva leaving and the club spending a reported club-record £116 million on Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
- Foden arrives on tour seeking a return to his best after missing the England World Cup squad and he now faces the twin tasks of regaining form and helping stabilise a younger dressing room while City monitor further transfer business.