Phil Foden explains why Enzo Maresca’s Man City feels familiar after Pep Guardiola era

Phil Foden believes Manchester City's transition from Pep Guardiola to Enzo Maresca has been smoother than many expected, with the England international admitting the new head coach's philosophy closely mirrors that of his predecessor.

After spending his entire senior career working under Guardiola, Foden is now preparing for a new era at the Etihad Stadium following Maresca's appointment earlier this summer.

While acknowledging there are some tactical differences, the 26-year-old says City's playing style remains instantly recognisable.

Speaking during Manchester City's pre-season tour, Foden revealed he has quickly adapted to Maresca's methods.

"All I've known is Pep Guardiola, so to go to a new manager, it's just a fresh start," Foden said.

"It's very similar to how we played under Pep, but there's obviously still things that are a little bit different.

"I don't want to give too much away, obviously, but I'm enjoying it. I'm enjoying the coaching staff and the way we're playing and the things we're doing in training."

The midfielder added that the squad has embraced the changes introduced by Maresca ahead of the new campaign.

"So yeah, I'm just really excited for the season and hopefully we can have a really good year."

Foden's comments suggest City have deliberately maintained many of the tactical principles that delivered sustained success under Guardiola.

Rather than overseeing a complete tactical overhaul, Maresca appears to be building on the foundations already established at the club while introducing his own ideas gradually during pre-season.

That continuity could prove crucial as City aim to remain among the Premier League's leading contenders despite a summer of significant change.

The England international will be looking to build on a campaign that showed flashes of his quality but fell below the standards he has previously set.

Foden made 33 Premier League appearances last season, scoring seven goals and registering five assists as City endured a mixed domestic campaign.

With a new manager in place and fresh competition throughout the squad, the attacking midfielder will hope to become one of the key figures in Maresca's plans during the 2026/27 season.

Key points

Manchester City continue their preparations for the new campaign under Maresca, with pre-season providing the opportunity to further implement the new manager's ideas.

Foden is expected to play a central role in those plans, and his early endorsement of Maresca's methods will encourage supporters hoping for a seamless transition into the post-Guardiola era.