"He'll Be Back!" – Enzo Maresca Reiterates Confidence in Phil Foden Despite Latest Thomas Tuchel Snub

Enzo Maresca has doubled down on his faith in Phil Foden after another snub for the Englishman at country level.

Foden on top form has been a rarer sight than usual over the last few seasons. After months in which rotation and a suspension have disrupted his rhythm, City fans are eager to see the 26-year-old rediscover the explosive best that once earned him the FWA Footballer of the Year award.

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Ahead of Saturday evening’s Premier League trip to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, manager Enzo Maresca was – perhaps inevitably – asked about the club’s longest-serving active player.

Just moments before Maresca addressed reporters, Thomas Tuchel announced his latest England squad, leaving Foden out of the national side for yet another consecutive international break.

It extended a frustrating international spell for a player who, not so long ago, was a fixture in the England side and a regular at major tournaments.

Maresca admitted he was unaware of the specific reasons behind Tuchel’s decision to omit the playmaker. However, the Italian made it clear that Foden retains the full backing of everyone at Manchester City.

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“He’s doing well, to be honest! Now, the reason why he has been left out of the England team, I don’t know,” Maresca explained in a press conference on Friday morning.

“But we are happy with Phil, we know he can give much more, we know that. But slowly, slowly – it’s my duty to help him – he’ll be back and be one of the best!”

If anything, the timing of the snub is slightly disappointing. Foden has rediscovered his cutting edge in recent weeks, ending a lengthy goal drought against Ipswich Town before helping himself to a hat-trick in the 5-1 Champions League win over AEK Athens.

Back amongst the goals, some thought a return to England action was on the cards for City’s number 47.

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With Manchester City aiming to build on a thrilling 3-2 UEFA Champions League victory away to RB Leipzig in midweek, Foden’s role over a demanding winter schedule will be vital.

Having suffered recent domestic setbacks against Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion, the Blues need their creators – the likes of Foden, Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye – operating at a high level to dismantle stubborn Premier League backlines.

Remaining in east Manchester during the upcoming international break at least gives Foden dedicated time to work with Maresca and his coaching staff without the physical burden of travel.

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As the club prepares for a potentially season-defining run of fixtures, the manager’s prediction that the midfielder will soon reclaim his place among Europe’s elite would be a massive boost for Manchester City and its supporters.