Enzo Maresca pledges to return Phil Foden to his best levels: “He is the son of this city and his help means a lot to me”
The new coach of Manchester City, Enzo Maresca, revealed his plan to return the English star Phil Foden to his known levels, stressing that restoring the player to his previous brilliance is a top priority in the new season. This came in press statements made by the Italian coach during the preparatory press conference for the start of the English Premier League competitions.
And Mariska said frankly and clearly: “I just want to help Phil return to the level that we all know and hope for... It is primarily related to his enjoyment of the ball, and because I know very well how good he is, with him at his best we will be able to win matches.”, thereby confirming that Foden will be a main focus in his new project with City.
Foden between brilliance and decline
Phil Foden is going through a different period in his football career. After the historic season that City achieved by winning the domestic and European treble, where Foden was one of the team’s most prominent stars, the young player was crowned the best player in the English Premier League for the 2023-2024 season, which is a wonderful achievement that reflects the exceptional level he presented.
But with the start of the new season, observers noticed a slight decline in Foden’s performance, whether with City or with the English national team in the Euro 2024 tournament, as he did not appear in the familiar image that the public was accustomed to. This decline raised questions about the reasons for this sudden decline, and whether it is the result of physical exhaustion, psychological pressure, or just a passing period in the career of any star.
Analysts believe that Foden's decline may be normal after a long and arduous season, in which he played more than 60 matches for the club and the national team, which led to physical and mental fatigue. But the biggest challenge lies in the ability of the new technical staff to restore the player’s brilliance and return him to his normal level.
Mariska's role in bringing back Foden's brilliance
Enzo Maresca believes that the key to Foden's return lies in the psychological aspect first, as he stressed the importance of the player enjoying the ball and feeling confident. He said in his statements: “It is primarily related to his enjoyment of the ball,”, indicating that the pressures that may have burdened the player require psychological treatment before anything else.
Mariska has great experience in dealing with young talents, as he has previously worked with several clubs and achieved success in developing players. The Italian coach relies on a training philosophy based on giving players creative freedom while maintaining tactical discipline, which may suit Foden's style, which is characterized by flexibility and the ability to play in several positions.
Maresca added: “After the treble season, he had a wonderful season and won the Player of the Year title, and now he is going through a slight decline, and it is my duty to bring him back to how he was... He is a son of this city and a fan of the club, and his help means a lot to me.”, thereby emphasizing the emotional relationship that Foden has with the club and the city, which may be a motivating factor for the player to do the best.
The importance of Foden to the Mariska project
It is no secret to anyone that Phil Foden represents the future of Manchester City. He is not just a talented player, but rather a symbol of the club and a son of the team’s academy, who grew up within its walls and rose through the ranks until he reached the first team. This gives him a special place in the hearts of the masses, and increases the amount of responsibility placed on his shoulders.
Maresca is counting on Foden to be one of the key elements in his squad, especially with the possibility of some players leaving or the levels of others declining. Foden's ability to play as a winger, playmaker, or even a second striker gives the coach multiple tactical options, and makes him a lethal weapon in big matches.
Statistics indicate that Foden scored 27 goals and assisted 12 others in all competitions last season, making him one of the most influential players in the English Premier League. Restoring this number will be necessary for City if it wants to compete strongly on all local and continental fronts.
The challenges facing Foden
Despite Mariska's great confidence, Foden's road back will not be paved with roses. There are several challenges that the player may face during the coming period, most notably the fierce competition for key positions, especially with the presence of big stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva.
Also, the high expectations from the fans and the media may put additional pressure on the player, especially in light of the slight decline he has suffered recently. Therefore, Mariska's role will be crucial in protecting the player from criticism, and creating the appropriate climate for him to shine again.
Moreover, Foden's commitment to the England national team may increase his stress, as Gareth Southgate considers Foden a key element in the Three Lions' squad, which means that he will play many international matches throughout the season. Therefore, Maresca will have to manage his playing minutes wisely to ensure that he remains in the best physical and mental condition.
"Phil Foden is an exceptional talent, and what he shows in training proves that he is still on the right path. I am confident that he will come back stronger than ever." – A statement from one of Foden’s teammates in the Manchester City team
The future plan for Foden's return
Enzo Maresca and his supporting team are working on developing an integrated plan to return Foden to his usual level. This plan includes several axes, starting with working on the psychological aspect through individual sessions with the player, through training programs dedicated to enhancing confidence and rediscovering the offensive skills that distinguish him.
The technical staff also seeks to provide a supportive environment around the player, encouraging him to express himself without fear of making mistakes. Foden is scheduled to get enough playing minutes in the upcoming friendly matches, to prepare him physically and technically for the start of the new season.
The hope remains that Phil Foden will return to his previous brilliance next season, and that he will be one of the main pillars on which Manchester City depends on in the journey of defending its local and continental titles. With a coach who believes in his abilities and seeks to help him, and with an audience eagerly awaiting his return, the opportunity seems ripe for Foden to regain the sparkle that made him one of the best players in the world in recent years.
