Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says he has a responsibility to help Phil Foden rediscover his best form after the England midfielder scored four goals in his last two appearances.
Foden ended a lengthy goalscoring drought against Ipswich Town before producing a hat-trick and an assist in City's 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old's performances have raised hopes that he can return to the level that previously made him one of the Premier League's most influential attacking players.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Aston Villa, Maresca explained how individual conversations have helped him rebuild Foden's confidence.
Maresca determined to restore Foden's confidence
Maresca revealed that he held several conversations with Foden shortly after taking charge of Manchester City in the summer.
The Italian wanted to make clear how important the midfielder remained to his plans following a difficult period.
According to ESPN, Maresca said he had sat down with Foden two or three times, particularly during his first weeks in charge, to reassure him of his value to the team.
The City manager believes supporting Foden is an important part of his job and remains convinced the England international can return to his previous standards.
Maresca also acknowledged that Foden had struggled to produce his best performances over the past two seasons.
However, the midfielder's recent goalscoring form has provided encouraging evidence of his progress.
Foden scores four goals in two matches
Foden had gone approximately ten months without scoring before finding the net against Ipswich last weekend.
He followed that breakthrough with three goals against AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium.
The midfielder scored in the 34th, 65th and 76th minutes as City secured their second Champions League victory of the season.
He also provided the assist for Rayan Cherki's goal, giving him four direct goal involvements on the night.
The performance offered a reminder of the quality that helped Foden win the PFA Players' Player of the Year award for the 2023–24 season.
His immediate challenge is to maintain that level over a sustained run of matches.
Maresca wants Rayan Cherki to improve his positioning
Maresca also praised Cherki, who scored City's third goal against AEK Athens.
The 23-year-old Frenchman has become an important attacking option, but his manager believes he can become even more effective by improving his positioning.
Maresca explained that Cherki is particularly dangerous when City find him between opposition defensive lines.
However, the playmaker's eagerness to receive possession can sometimes draw him away from those areas.
The City manager wants Cherki to develop a better balance between moving towards the ball and remaining in positions where he can create chances.
He is determined to make those improvements without restricting the creativity that makes the Frenchman such an influential attacking player.
Key Points
- Phil Foden has scored four goals in his last two Manchester City appearances.
- The 26-year-old registered a hat-trick and an assist in City's 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens.
- Enzo Maresca says helping Foden return to his best is part of his responsibility as manager.
- Foden's recent scoring run ended a drought lasting approximately ten months.
- Maresca also wants Rayan Cherki to improve his positioning while maintaining his attacking creativity.
What's Next?
Manchester City travel to Aston Villa on Saturday, with Foden hoping to maintain his impressive goalscoring form.
Maresca will also be looking for Cherki to continue making an impact as City seek to build on their recent performances in the Premier League.
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