Phil Foden drops Manchester City leadership group hint after Bernardo Silva departure | OneFootball

Phil Foden has declared he must step into a leadership role at Manchester City this season and detailed how Enzo Maresca’s style compares to that of Pep Guardiola.

The 26-year-old is one of the longest-serving players in City’s current squad, having joined the club’s academy at the age of four and gone on to win six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and numerous domestic cups.

After spearheading his boyhood club to a record fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2024 and being voted as the best player in England, the Stockport-born forward is yet to kick on and match his heights from his personal best season at the Etihad Stadium.

With senior figures such as Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne having departed in recent seasons, Foden’s longevity now places him among the most experienced voices in the dressing room, and Maresca has spoken previously about the importance of that experience within a squad that skews younger than its predecessor.

His commitment to the club was underlined earlier this summer when he signed a new four-year contract until 2030, with Maresca personally credited by Foden as a factor in his decision to commit his long-term future to the Etihad Stadium.

Foden: “I have to be one of the leaders – I’m looking forward to that new responsibility”

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against K-League All Stars in Seoule, Foden was asked about the importance of him being a leader in a new-look Manchester City dressing room under Maresca.

“I think I have to be! I’ve been at the club for so long, I’m one of the last remaining players that have been here for a long time, so I have to be one of the leaders, one of the captains this season, for sure,” said Foden. “I’m looking forward to that new responsibility and trying to take leadership.”

On Maresca’s style, Foden added: “It’s very similar to how we played under Pep, but there’s obviously still things that are a little different.

“I don’t want to give too much away obviously, but maybe the defending’s a little different, how we set-up. We have different ideas playing out from the back, different variety on the ball.

“There’s still different things, but I think the lads are very comfortable because we want to play football from the back, build the attack, and try and create. I think it suits everyone really well.

“All I’ve known is Pep Guardiola, so a new manager is a fresh start. I’m enjoying it, enjoying the new coaching staff, the way we’re playing, the things we’re doing in training – I’m just really excited for the season, and hopefully we can have a really good year!”

Foden will be gearing for a big season after successive underwhelming seasons at the Etihad Stadium by his own standards, with Manchester City embarking on a new era under Maresca following a decade of unprecedented success under Guardiola.