Enzo Maresca is confident Phil Foden will rediscover his best form and make a decisive contribution for Manchester City after returning from a three-match suspension.
The England international was sent off during City’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United last month, forcing him to miss three matches. Although Foden returned to the squad for Wednesday’s 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, he remained an unused substitute.
With City preparing to host Ipswich Town on Saturday, Maresca has backed the attacking midfielder to make an impact, insisting his quality and experience will prove valuable as the season progresses.
Foden has also been searching for his first Premier League goal for City since last December, but his manager remains optimistic that the midfielder will soon find the net again.
“He will score tomorrow!” Maresca joked during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
Maresca Gives Foden Confidence Ahead of Ipswich Clash
Despite Foden’s interrupted start to the campaign, Maresca says the midfielder has been working well in training and continues to make positive progress.
The City boss acknowledged that the extended period away from competitive action had made the start of the season challenging for the academy graduate. However, he remains confident that Foden can quickly regain his rhythm.
“We just try to work with him day by day,” Maresca said.
“The international break and since the red card against United has been quite long.
“But he has been training well, he’s doing well since we start, very positive start, very good.”
Maresca stopped short of confirming whether Foden would start against Ipswich, explaining that the decision would depend on the team’s needs and the demanding schedule ahead.
“We will see if he is available tomorrow, but we have so many games.
“We need to decide if he starts tomorrow or not and if he does, no doubt he will give us something.”
Foden’s return gives City another creative option as they look to respond to their European disappointment and continue their strong Premier League form.
A Chance for Foden to Reignite His Season
Foden has established himself as one of Manchester City’s most technically gifted attacking players, capable of creating opportunities, linking play and producing decisive moments in the final third.
However, his suspension and lack of recent league goals have limited his opportunity to build momentum this season.
The Ipswich fixture could provide a chance to change that, whether he starts or comes off the bench. With a busy run of matches ahead, City will need contributions from across their attacking options.
Maresca’s public backing also underlines his belief in Foden’s ability to overcome the difficult spell and return to the level supporters expect.
Maresca Praises Teenage Talent Ayyoub Bouaddi
Foden was not the only player to receive praise from Maresca ahead of Saturday’s match. The City manager also spoke highly of teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following his impressive second-half display against PSG.
The 18-year-old came on at half-time against the French side and helped City improve after a difficult opening 45 minutes. His technical ability and composure stood out as the hosts mounted their fightback.
Maresca was particularly impressed by Bouaddi’s ability to improve the performances of those around him, describing the youngster as a player whose presence can make his teammates better.
“Ayyoub is a fantastic player. The good thing about Ayyoub is that when he is inside the pitch, he improves the ones around him,” Maresca said.
The manager explained that certain players have a positive influence on their teammates simply through their quality and the way they operate on the pitch.
“And this is just from top players. Sometimes when top players are on the pitch the ones who move around him are better. I have this feeling with Ayyoub.”
He added: “There are players that playing alongside other players they can be better.”
The comments suggest Maresca values not only Bouaddi’s individual technique but also his ability to influence the team’s overall performance.
City Look to Respond Against Ipswich
Manchester City return to Premier League action on Saturday looking to put the defeat to PSG behind them and maintain their domestic momentum.
Ipswich Town will present another challenge, and Maresca must decide whether Foden is ready to return to the starting line-up or whether a gradual reintegration would be more appropriate.
The availability of Foden and the development of young players such as Bouaddi could give City useful options as they navigate a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.
For Foden, the immediate objective will be to make the most of his opportunities and rediscover the scoring touch that has made him such an important player for club and country.
Manchester City host Ipswich Town on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 CAT.
