Phil Foden believes his start to the 2026/27 season has gone well, despite missing almost a month of action following his red card in Manchester City’s derby victory over Manchester United.
The England international admits the suspension was an unfortunate setback, but says the enforced break ultimately gave him an opportunity to refresh mentally, work on specific areas of his game and return with renewed sharpness.
Foden has since made an encouraging contribution to City’s campaign, scoring his first Premier League goal of the season against Ipswich Town before producing a memorable hat-trick in the 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens.
Speaking ahead of City’s European meeting with RB Leipzig, the midfielder reflected positively on his performances and the impact the break had on his return.
“I think personally it’s gone really well [this season],” Foden said.
“I had the unfortunate red card against United. But the break did me good.
“I think I came back really fresh minded and sharp. And I’ve been involved in a lot of goals recently so I’ve been really happy with my own performance to be honest.”
Suspension Gave Foden Time to Reset
Being away from competitive football for several weeks was not an easy experience for the City academy graduate, who is accustomed to playing regularly.
However, Foden believes the period away from the pitch offered an opportunity to concentrate on aspects of his game that needed attention.
“It was a long time without football, which felt really strange. But it gave me time to work on things I needed to work on.
“And when I came back I just felt fresh and like I could help the team.”
His return has been particularly encouraging in front of goal. Scoring regularly has helped build his confidence, while playing alongside familiar teammates has allowed him to develop a better understanding of their movements and decisions.
“Being involved in goals gives you a lot of confidence,” he explained.
“And when you’re playing regularly as well you kind of just get into a rhythm and a groove.
“And also it helps when you play with similar players as well. You kind of understand what they are going to do before even thinking about it.”
For Foden, that combination of confidence, consistency and chemistry has been important in producing his recent performances.
Foden Adjusting to Life Under Maresca
The 2026/27 campaign has also brought a significant change for Foden, who is working under a different manager for the first time in his senior City career.
Pep Guardiola handed the midfielder his first-team debut as a 17-year-old, beginning a remarkable journey that has seen him become one of the Club’s most recognisable players.
With Foden approaching 400 appearances for City, the transition to Enzo Maresca’s leadership represents a new chapter in his career.
However, the midfielder is not starting from scratch. He previously worked with Maresca during the Italian’s time as Guardiola’s assistant, giving him an advantage in understanding the new manager’s ideas.
“It’s similar stuff to be honest with Enzo,” Foden said.
“And me personally as well I still play different positions with him.
“Different positions require different things from myself.”
Foden also believes his previous experience working with Maresca has helped him adapt more quickly than some of his teammates.
“I more understand him as well more than the other players because I’ve worked with him in the past so that helps me.
“I try and help the team and the team-mates that need help maybe being in the right position.”
Leipzig Provides Another Opportunity
Foden’s latest comments come as City prepare for their fourth Champions League fixture of the campaign, with a trip to RB Leipzig offering another opportunity to continue their positive European progress.
City have collected two victories from their opening three matches, with Foden’s hat-trick against AEK Athens standing out as one of their strongest performances so far.
After overcoming his suspension and returning with an impressive contribution in front of goal, the midfielder will be hoping to maintain that momentum in Germany.
The red card may have interrupted his early-season progress, but Foden’s assessment is clear: the time away helped him return refreshed, confident and ready to make a difference for Manchester City.
