Manchester City captain Ruben Dias say Phil Foden needed to be "more controlled and composed" when provoked by Bruno Fernandes in Sunday's Manchester derby.
Foden was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at Fernandes on the floor after being fouled and kicked himself by the Manchester United skipper.
"In the moment I felt it was a bit harsh because my perception was Bruno kicks Phil and then he has a rushed reaction and maybe kicks him back," Dias said.
"I'm not saying Phil didn't do wrong - obviously he needs to be more controlled and composed in that moment.
"I believe he, more than anyone, is frustrated with what happened. That is why it was my biggest joy to come back in and be able to celebrate for him because I know for sure he was feeling responsible for how much more difficult the game became."

#foden #composed #kicks

1
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has come under scrutiny following the demoralising 1-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, 13 September. The Red Devils played for more than an hour with a man advantage following Phil Foden's red card, but failed to penetrate the opposition backline.
The defeat leaves United in 13th place in the league table after four games, in which they have picked up just one win and conceded seven goals. It was the second time that Carrick's team have failed to score this season, after the opening day 2-0 defeat to Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
The Red Devils secured an impressive 4-0 win over Sabah last week in the Champions League, but that optimism evaporated over the weekend. While the season is still in its nascent stages, the situation is bound to raise questions about Carrick's position.
Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the matter.

#league

Manchester City open their Champions League campaign at Porto on Tuesday, with Enzo Maresca taking charge of a European fixture for the club for the first time.
City arrive on the back of three straight Premier League wins, though a three-day turnaround before Sunday's Manchester derby is likely to shape his selection.
Porto have never beaten City in a competitive meeting, but their unbeaten start to the season and vociferous home support make the Estádio do Dragão an awkward opening ******* ignment.
Nico O'Reilly is a serious doubt for Tuesday's trip to Portugal after suffering a back injury in the warm-up before Saturday's win over Coventry City, forcing Enzo Fernandez into an unplanned full debut. Jeremy Doku remains sidelined with the calf problem that has kept him out of City's opening three Premier League fixtures.
Iliman Ndiaye was withdrawn in the 87th minute of his own debut with cramp, though the issue is not considered serious and he should be available for selection. With O'Reilly a doubt and Doku out, Maresca's options in wide areas are reduced to Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Antoine ******* yo.

#three #manchester #Porto

Manchester City have won 1-0 today against stubborn Coventry City side at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon. A Erling Haaland header in the 26th minute was just enough for City make it three wins from three matches to start the new Premier League season.
When the starting lineups were announced, Enzo Maresca had made only one change to the starting lineup which dispatched Crystal Palace 4-1 last weekend. Iliman Ndiaye replaced Phil Foden in the starting lineup as the Senegalese international made his Premier League debut from the start today. Enzo Fernandez was on the bench for today's game. However, that changed 15 minutes before kickoff. Nico O'Reilly suffered an injury in the warm up and Enzo Fernandez replaced him in Manchester City's starting lineup.
Manchester City began the game dominating possession, however it was Coventry City who should have taken the lead inside the opening eight minutes. First, Abdukodir Khusanov played a ball back to Gianluigi Donnarumma on his own goal line. The Italian had a poor first touch which almost trickled over the goal line to give Frank Lampard's side the lead in the 6th minute.
However, two minutes later, Coventry City should have taken the lead. Antoine ****** yo played a dangerous ball from the right into midfield which Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi intercepted. Awoniyi surged clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat. But he fired his shot wide of the post with Gianluigi Donnarumma rushing out to save his team's blushes. Taiwo Awoniyi's chance was a clear warning shot to Enzo Maresca's side that today's match wouldn't be a walk in the park.
Manchester City's first shot on target would arrive in the 16th minute. Elliot Anderson was fouled in midfield and he quickly took the free kick and set free Rayan Cherki. Cherki surged into ****** e and played in Erling Haaland with a quality through ball. Haaland fired in a powerful low drive from inside the Coventry penalty area across goal which Coventry City keeper Carl Rushworth got down well to save.

#city #haaland #first #side

City duo Nico O'Reilly and Phil Foden have both been nominated for the Premier League's Adobe Express Moment of the Match award for August.
Men's Team
O'Reilly's moment came during last Friday's superb 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.
His contribution saw the Academy graduate beat two defenders at once by using his strength holding off his closest marker before backheeling the ball through their legs and turning upfield.
Foden's moment meanwhile came during a flowing move in City's 2-1 victory at home to Bournemouth on the opening day of the Premier League season.

#moment #o 'reilly #phil #adobe

Manchester City completed its $440-million midfield rebuild on Tuesday by signing Argentina international Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea in a deal worth 125 million pounds ($169 million), a fee that ties the British transfer record.
Fernandez, who was sent off against Spain in the World Cup final in July, becomes the third central midfielder to join City for more than $100 million in this summer transfer window, with 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi coming from Lille in a $117 million deal and England international Elliot Anderson moving for $155 million.
"I could not be happier to be here," Fernandez said, "and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success."
Also Tuesday, City bought Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for an initial 60 million pounds ($81 million) in a move that provides competition for Antoine ******* yo, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and fellow new signing Allan — the other wide attackers in recently hired manager Enzo Maresca's squad.
Jack Grealish, who joined City for $139 million in 2021, was another one but he has been loaned to Everton for the second straight season.

#enzo

Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 last night at Selhurst Park with a good performance that was filled with plenty of positives. One of those was the performance of Phil Foden. Foden endured a frustrating opening half-hour in last night's match. However, he overcame that to put in a performance that helped his team make it back-to-back wins to start their 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Manchester City took the lead last night in the 17th minute courtesy of a sublime header from Erling Haaland which came from an Antoine ******* yo cross. Following that goal, Phil Foden had two chances to double Manchester City's lead. He squandered the first in the 21st minute after being set free by Elliot Anderson after City played through the Crystal Palace defence. Foden inexplicably fired over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy. Six minutes later, Foden failed to get sufficient contact on a header from close range after being set up by Rayan Cherki.
For a player who is striving to get back to his best, it was going to be a question of how Foden responded to those chances going by the wayside. Come the final whistle, the answer was emphatic as Phil Foden put in a performance that showed he was getting back to his best.
At times last night, Crystal Palace couldn't live with Manchester City's attacking interplay and fluidity. Phil Foden was at the heart of that. Foden combined superbly well with Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki from the right wing. You could see the confidence growing in Phil Foden as last night's match progressed. He was gliding around the pitch and his touch and passing was on point. He also grabbed an ******* ist when he played the ball to Rayan Cherki to do the rest to score his first goal of the evening. However, the best came late on from Foden.
Erling Haaland would seal Manchester City's win over Crystal Palace when he scored the fourth goal in City's 4-1 win in the 84th minute. Haaland's powerful near post finish came via an ******* ist from Phil Foden. It was that moment that was the crowning moment of Foden's night. It was also one that showed that Phil Foden is getting back to his best.

#last #back

Enzo Maresca wants Phil Foden to exert more influence within the Manchester City squad as he looks for new leaders to emerge following a string of departures.
Foden is still trying to rediscover his best form after two inconsistent campaigns since he was named Premier League player of the season in 2023-24, but City have kept faith in their academy product and the 26-year-old signed a new four-year contract in July.
Having made his debut at the age of 17, Foden is in his 10th season at the club, and is the most decorated player in City's history alongside the now departed John Stones and Bernardo Silva.
Maresca needs to reshape his leadership group following the exits of Silva and Rodri, seeking one or two more players to join Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland in his group of captains.
Earlier this month Foden said he wanted to be part of that leadership group and his manager is keen for him to play a bigger role.

#foden #city #following #player

Manchester City usher in the post-Guardiola era by hosting Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Will the Citizens bounce back after their heavy defeat to ******* nal in the Community Shield?
Today's match in Manchester will be played with the following confirmed lineups:
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Lewis, Anderson, O'Reilly, ******* yo, Foden, Haaland
Cherki, Grealish and Nunes are waiting for their chance on the bench.

#guardiola #bournemouth

Manchester City open their Premier League season at home to Bournemouth with one immediate problem, Jeremy Doku is out. The Belgian went off at half-time in the Community Shield and the expectation is that a calf injury will rule him out for several weeks. For Enzo Maresca, that means changes straight away.
The basic shape stays the same. The details change. Erling Haaland leads the line, as expected, but the three behind him now need reworking. Phil Foden looks set to move from the No10 role to the right, Antoine **** yo shifts over to the left, and Rayan Cherki gets the central attacking berth.
Photo IMAGO
Doku gives City directness, pace and a one v one threat few can match. Without him, the attack becomes more technical and more dependent on combinations. That may suit Cherki, who is at his best receiving between the lines, and it gives Foden a familiar wide starting point before drifting infield.
Jack Grealish is the wildcard. He did well after replacing Doku last time out, but his position remains uncertain while questions over his future continue. He may be involved, he may not. Right now, the safer call is caution.

#right #manchester

Manchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Enzo Maresca's first competitive Premier League match in charge of the club.
Maresca succeeds Pep Guardiola after a decade in which City won six league **** les and the Champions League. The Community Shield defeat to **** nal was a difficult beginning, and Sunday offers the first opportunity to put that result behind him.
Jeremy Doku will not feature. The Belgian winger aggravated a calf issue during the Community Shield defeat and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho is also unavailable, with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the works, and Omar Marmoush is expected to be in the same position should his own move to north London be finalised in time. Matheus Nunes is back in contention after sitting out the Community Shield with a minor muscle problem and could replace Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back.
With Doku sidelined, Maresca is expected to turn to Jack Grealish on the left flank, a role he filled after coming on in the Community Shield. Antoine **** yo, who joined from Bournemouth in January, operates on the opposite side, with Phil Foden retained centrally behind Erling Haaland. Elliot Anderson, a big-money summer signing, continues to partner Mateo Kovačić in central midfield as City look to bed in one of their most significant additions.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League opening weekends and 22 in just 14 appearances during the month of August throughout his career, giving City's attack a reliable focal point regardless of the upheaval elsewhere. Gianluigi Donnarumma continues in goal behind a back four of Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly.

#community #league #city

As of right now, Manchester City are short of midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season getting under way this weekend. Looking at Enzo Maresca's squad, there is Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Nico O'Reilly, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki who will form City's midfield against Bournemouth. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left earlier this week, and Bernardo Silva departed when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. It has now been revealed that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City. If that report is correct, yet another midfield option could leave Enzo Maresca's squad.
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.

#city #manchester #midfield #season

This week has been dominated by players either leaving Manchester City or edging closer to an exit from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have left City this week. Savinho is on the verge of completing his 'dream' move to Tottenham. There is also the real possibility that Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez could also depart City before the transfer window closes. Om top of that, Enzo Maresca's side was well beaten by **** nal 3-0 in the FA Community Shield last Sunday. All of these factors combined have seemingly dampened the excitement of a new season beginning.
However, this Sunday the Enzo Maresca era officially gets underway against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. City will begin a new Premier League season at home. That is an exciting moment in itself. Despite the fact that players have left Manchester City this week and will do before the transfer window closes, Enzo Maresca has enough to work with to ensure that the early stages of the 2026-27 season can begin on a positive note.
Last season saw Pep Guardiola put the building blocks in place for the next era at Manchester City. Building team spirit and teaching the players City hope will continue Guardiola's legacy how to win trophies was the final act of Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City manager. Those lessons will now look to be carried over by Enzo Maresca.
The Enzo Maresca era didn't get off to the best start last weekend. Maresca's first official match in charge ended in a chastening 3-0 defeat to **** nal in the FA Community Shield. Whether or not the Community Shield is an official match or a glorified friendly is a matter of personal opinion. What isn't in dispute is the manner of City's defeat and the departures of key players or impending departures of others have taken focus off a new Premier League season starting this weekend.
Putting all of that aside, Manchester City take on Bournemouth this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. In terms of what starting eleven Enzo Maresca could select, he has plenty of quality options to choose from. A possible starting eleven of Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol, Anderson, O'Reilly, Foden, Cherki, **** yo, and Erling Haaland is packed with quality. That seems to have been forgotten throughout this week.

#city #enzo #manchester #sunday

Hardly anything went right for Manchester City yesterday as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by ***** nal in the FA Community Shield. Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard saw Enzo Maresca's side well beaten at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Looking at the match and how it transpired, there is one area of the pitch that City must strengthen before the transfer window closes. That is the midfield. It looks like Manchester City are about to step up the process of fortifying their engine room. It is exactly what must be done to help give Enzo Maresca the midfielders he needs to fully implement his system.
Enzo Maresca started Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield yesterday against ***** nal. Anderson made his City debut, Mateo Kovacic played in a role that he isn't ideally suited to and Phil Foden started as the number ten. Manchester City weren't necessarily swamped in midfield by Mikel Arteta's side. What stood out was how disjointed Enzo Maresca's side were and how easy they were to play through in the opening half-hour of the game.
Elliot Anderson was by no means poor in his City debut. He did put himself about in the hour he was on the pitch. Anderson also needs time to grow into life as a Manchester City player. Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden had moments but overall the necessary quality wasn't there in the engine room for Manchester City. The midfield trio that Maresca opted to start with played like a lineup that had never played together before, and they were. But there is a desperate need for City to add the quality they need to fortify their midfield.
Rodri won't be a part of the solution to Manchester City's midfield issue. Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that he is on the verge of completing a move to Barcelona. Rodri's departure, alongside that of Tijjani Reijnders opens up ***** e in Manchester City's midfield. It must be filled with quality players. Now, City must shop from the top shelf to bolster their midfield. They have done this when they signed Elliot Anderson. Now they need more quality in midfield to add the options that Enzo Maresca needs.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was asked about Manchester City's prospects of completing a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Maresca reminded everyone that Bouaddi remains a Lille player, but he added that the sooner that City complete any new signings the better. He explained: "He's still a Lille player, but any new signings, any new players, for sure the sooner they arrive it's better because we're going to start the Premier League in one week. And if they start to work with us as soon as possible, it's better because they can also understand the way we want to play."

#city

Manchester City are blessed to have two elite options to play in the number ten role in their squad. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are excellent in the role and both figure to play prominent roles for Enzo Maresca throughout the 2026-27 season. Phil Foden started in the role across Manchester City's three preseason friendlies. He started again yesterday as City suffered a 3-0 defeat to ***** nal in the FA Community Shield. Cherki replaced him on the hour-mark. Phil Foden has a full preseason behind him, while Rayan Cherki only returned to City last Wednesday after his World Cup duties with France. Looking at who should start in the number ten role for Enzo Maresca's side, Rayan Cherki should be the favourite.
Earlier this summer, Phil Foden signed a contract extension with Manchester City. It is clear that City have full faith in the England international. Foden remains an important player for his team. He has gotten to work after a difficult 2024-25 season and seen a drop off last season after he began the 2025-26 season brightly. After missing out on selection in England's World Cup squad, Phil Foden should benefit from a full preseason working with Enzo Maresca and his teammates.
However, Foden's form over the three friendlies Manchester City have played and in yesterday's FA Community Shield fixture against ***** nal has been patchy. There have been flashes of quality shown by Foden. On other occasions he looks like a player still battling to return to his best. That is to be expected given how far back Phil Foden is coming back from in terms of his form.
If you were looking at who is more likely to start in the number ten role next weekend against Bournemouth in Manchester City's opening Premier League fixture and to begin the 2026-27 season, perhaps Phil Foden is the favourite. However, he does face stiff competition for that role from Rayan Cherki.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a frustrating experience for Rayan Cherki. He spent the majority of the tournament on the periphery of the French squad due to the vast array of attacking talent at Didier Deschamps' disposal. That disappointment could fuel Cherki to take his game to another level to avoid such disappointment in the future.

#foden #manchester #World

Jack Buchanan, Chief EFL Editor
Team news is in for this afternoon's FA Community Shield in Cardiff, with the headline news being that both Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson are in the starting XI for Manchester City.
Arsenal also named a full-strength starting side, featuring Gabriel as well as Summer signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis.
Raya, White, Gabriel, Mosquera, Caliafori, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes, Odegaard, Madueke, Tzolis, Madueke. Subsititues: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Rice, Eze, Dowman, Saka, Gyökeres.
Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Kovačic, Anderson, ****** yo, Foden, Doku, Haaland. Substitutes: Rulli, Guéhi, Marmoush, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Aït-Nouri, Nunes, Lewis.

#anderson

Manchester City have confirmed their starting lineup ahead fo today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea. Enzo Maresca lost on penalties to Inter Milan in their first friendly of their preseason tour of Asia. The match finished 1-1 and City showed a lot at the Kai Tak Stadium, especially in the second half. They will be looking to build on that performance today in Seoul.
Unfortunately, Ryan McAidoo has been ruled out of today's match due to a shoulder injury. Enzo Maresca informed the media yesterday that McAidoo's injury isn't serious or a cause for concern. Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, and Omar Marmoush are all available for today's match against the K-League All-Stars. The trio missed Manchester City's first preseason friendly when they linked up with Enzo Maresca's squad after their World Cup commitments.
Enzo Maresca has selected a strong starting eleven for today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars. The Manchester City starting lineup is almost as strong as Enzo Maresca can select from the players he had available. There were two changes made to the starting eleven from the Inter Milan match with Ruben Dias and Rayan Ait-Nouri replacing Stephen Mfuni and Savinho.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias (C), Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Antoine ****** yo, Phil Foden, Divin Mubama.
Bettinelli, Wint, Chabot, Marmoush, Nico, Reis, Savinho, Nunes, Echeverri, Monga, Braithwaite, Mukasa, Alleyne, Sangare, F. Samba, Heskey, Henderson-Hall, Mfuni, Parker.

#enzo #maresca #stars

Phil Foden says he would like to be part of the leadership team as one of the longest serving players at City.
Men's Team
Last season's captain Bernardo Silva left the Club in the summer while experienced defenders John Stones and Nathan Ake have moved on.
After working his way through the Academy, Foden is set to start his 10th season as part of the senior squad after making his debut back in November 2017.
As we begin a new era under the management of Enzo Maresca, the 26-year-old told a press conference ahead of our friendly with a K-League All Stars side, that he wants to be a leading figure.

#foden #phil #bernardo #john

Manchester City have embarked on a rebuild of their midfield this summer. So far, Elliot Anderson has joined the club from Nottingham Forest. Anderson figures to be a prominent player for Enzo Maresca's side. Watching Manchester City's midfield perform in the first half of their first preseason friendly against Inter Milan, you could see what role Anderson will play in Manchester City's midfield. However, Manchester City's midfield rebuild isn't yet complete. It was easy to see why City are so keen to further bolster their midfield based on how the first half unfolded in their 1-1 draw and subsequent penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan.
Enzo Maresca started Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield against Inter Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. None of those three players are what you would term a number six or a defensive midfielder. Foden played an advanced role in midfield and helped Manchester City's four-man high press. Reijnders and Kovacic were tasked with shielding City's backline.
This duo had mixed results in this role. On occasions, especially in the game's first half-hour, Inter did have success playing through Manchester City's high press and they also succeeded in bypassing Manchester City's midfield. Kovacic and Reijnders are not suited to the role they were tasked with fulfilling against Inter. It isn't their strong suits. Reijnders is suited to getting forward from midfield and Kovacic is a number eight who does his best work with a player like Rodri behind him.
The answer as to why Manchester City want to bolster their midfield was evident in the first half against Inter Milan. You could picture Elliot Anderson and Rodri playing the roles that Reijnders and Kovacic were asked to play, provided of course that Rodri doesn't leave City this summer. Also, the Ayyoub Bouaddi links make sense as he could also fill the same role. This was clear to see in the opening 45 minutes at the Kai Tak Stadium.
At halftime of Saturday's friendly, Enzo Maresca brought on Nico Gonzalez and moved Rico Lewis from right-back into midfield. Inter Milan also made a series of substitutions at halftime of the friendly in Hong Kong which did alter the match. However, it was impossible to ignore how much better City looked with Nico Gonzalez playing his familiar holding role in midfield. He had Rico Lewis for support with Rayan Ait-Nouri inverting from left-back and at times Vitor Reis stepped into midfield. This system gave City the control they need and also showed why City are so eager to rebuild their midfield this summer.

#kovacic #role #anderson

Man City vs. Inter Milan free live stream: How to watch online without cable originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Manchester City begin a new era in Hong Kong on Saturday, as Enzo Maresca takes charge for the first time following Pep Guardiola's departure, against Inter Milan.
It's a fitting reunion, given City edged Inter 1-0 in the 2023 Champions League final, though the two sides played out a draw when they last met in the 2024 UCL league phase.
Maresca will be without Erling Haaland for the occasion, with the striker still working his way back into full training following his World Cup run, although Antoine ***** yo will play alongside Joško Gvardiol, Phil Foden and others.
Cristian Chivu enters his second season as the Inter manager but will also be without a few of his stars. Lautaro Martínez and Manuel Akanji won't join the club in Hong Kong following a long World Cup tournament. Martínez's Argentina side fell in the final, while Akanji (who joined Inter from City a year ago) and his Swiss team lost to Argentina in the quarterfinals.

#city #hong

Manchester City launched their new away kit on a floating pitch at the picturesque setting of the harbour in Hong Kong.
Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Ryan McAidoo were on stage in front of scores of fans before revealing the black and yellow Puma kit, which is finished with a swarm of worker bees - a nod to one of Manchester's most recognisable symbols.
City say the bee signifies the "graft, unity and resilience that define the city" with the kit "reinforcing a shared commitment to the city, its people and the authentic connection between the club and the communities that surround it".
Puma vice president Dominique Gauthier said: "This kit is about giving Manchester City players a shirt that performs at the highest level while carrying real meaning for the city and its fans.
"We wanted every detail to reflect the identity of this club and the culture around it. It's a shirt built for the pitch but made to be worn with pride well beyond it."

#puma #shirt #hong #phil

Since the 2025-26 season ended, Manchester City has seen a host of leadership and experience depart the club. Pep Guardiola stepped down as Manchester City's manager. He has been replaced by Enzo Maresca. Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake and John Stones have also departed the club. Their departures, coupled with Pep Guardiola's, create a void in terms of leadership and experience in the City squad. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Manchester City do need a new crop of leaders to rise to the fore.
Last season, Pep Guardiola named Bernardo Silva as the Manchester City captain with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland completing Manchester City's leadership group. Of those four players, Bernardo Silva is now a Real Madrid player. There are doubts that surround the future of Rodri. Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias do look to be the standout candidates to become the next captain for Manchester City.
Outside of Haaland, Dias and Rodri, if he stays, Manchester City do need other players to step up and become leaders. It is time for other players to fill the void left behind following the loss of bonafide leaders and experienced players. Gianluigi Donnarumma looks to be a prime candidate to step up as a leader for Enzo Maresca's side. As does Marc Guehi. Both players have been leaders throughout their careers and could make a step up in this regard for Enzo Maresca.
Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden are two other players who have the potential to be leaders in Manchester City's new era. Foden is now a seasoned professional and knows intimately the high standards demanded at City. Josko Gvardiol has signed a long-term contract extension and the natural progression for him is to become a leader for his team. Foden and Gvardiol are two players who seem primed to step up as leaders and hopefully other candidates will emerge during Manchester City's preseason tour of Asia.
Manchester City do need a new crop of leaders to emerge for the 2026-27 season and beyond. The standards expected at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have been established by Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake and the club legends that have departed before them. To carry on those standards, City will need a new batch of leaders to emerge. It is a crucial element of any team and the sooner that Manchester City's next crop of leaders reveal themselves the better it will bw for Enzo Maresca's side.

#enzo

Josko Gvardiol was reportedly ******* ured of his central importance to Manchester City during discussions over his new contract.
The Athletic's Sam Lee claims Gvardiol is viewed as one of three "central pillars" of Enzo Maresca's squad, alongside Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.
The revelation offers fresh insight into why City moved so decisively to tie Gvardiol down until 2031 despite interest from Real Madrid.
Manchester City view Josko Gvardiol as one of three central pillars within their first-team squad, according to a new insider report.
The latest insight arrives as Gvardiol's new Manchester City contract was officially confirmed by the club, following weeks in which the defender had been strongly linked with a move to several European giants including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

#gvardiol #pillars

Some of football's most celebrated players stayed loyal to a single club for their entire career.
The Premier League's most-decorated player, Ryan Giggs, is one, so too AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, Roma's Francesco Totti and ****** nal defender Tony Adams.
Perhaps some current players such as Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden might join them too.
But there are players at the other end of the spectrum, those who can look back on a lengthy list of employers, and sometimes while their career is still in its infancy.
The most famous current example is Jhon Duran, the former Aston Villa striker joining the seventh club of his career at the age of just 22 last week.

#ryan #giggs #Maldini

Earlier this week, Manchester City announced that Phil Foden had extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2030. It is clear that City are backing Foden to return to his dazzling best after two tough and trying seasons for him. New City manager Enzo Maresca is aiming to help Foden on that path and if he succeeds, it will help shape Manchester City into a formidable unit.
When Enzo Maresca faced the media yesterday for the first time as Manchester City manager yesterday, he said that he aiming to help Phil Foden return to his best form. The Italian manager added that it is his duty to do so. Speaking on Phil Foden, Maresca said: "I just want to help Phil to be the Phil we all want. First of all for him because he needs to enjoy football and second because I know how good he is. Phil in a good shape and mood, he can win games."
"Treble season he was fantastic, season after he won Player of the Year. He struggled a little bit, but I told him it's my duty to help him. He's from the house. He's from me. He's a City fan."
A big variable over the 2026-27 season for Manchester City is which Phil Foden they will get. Will the 2023-24 Player of the Season Foden return? The hope is that after a summer of rest this is what occurs. Or will Foden continue to be the inconsistent player he has been over the past two seasons? Foden is too good a player to not be a key player for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Hopefully the saying that class is permanent and form is temporary rings true for Foden this season.
Enzo Maresca is determined to help Phil Foden find his best once again. Maresca has worked with Foden previously, and that does give Maresca a template to use to guide Foden. He knows what makes Foden tick, and that should aid Maresca in his quest to help the England international. It seems that is what Maresca is determined to do as he explained yesterday.

#foden #maresca #Help #player

Sometimes the internet decides that an animal looks uncannily like a famous celebrity, and the comparison takes on a life of its own as it becomes a meme, such as the famous "Phil Foden Cat Lookalike."
That phenomenon is exactly what happened yet again, this time with a tabby cat wearing a curly black wig that bears a striking resemblance to Spanish footballer Marc Cucurella.
Known as the "Marc Cucurella Cat" meme, the viral video has become a favorite reaction image and GIF among many football and soccer fans, enjoying a massive resurgence during the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Spain captured the trophy.
So, where exactly did the meme come from, and who made it? Why did it become so popular to the point where Google even made a special Easter egg for it? Let's explain.

#marc #famous #phil

Manchester City attacking midfielder Phil Foden says he "can't wait to work with Enzo Maresca again" after penning a new four-year deal to extend his already lengthy stay at Etihad Stadium.
The 26-year-old, who is a lifelong Manchester City fan, joined the club's academy set-up as a nine-year-old and made his first-team debut under Pep Guardiola as a 17-year-old.
"Committing my future to City means everything to me," Foden said. "Playing for this club is all I've ever wanted to do. It is always an honour to wear this shirt.
"It isn't lost on me that I've been lucky enough to be part of a historic period, with so many ***** les won, but we are always looking to the future and trying to win more."
The England international has won 20 major honours during his time at City: six Premier League ***** les, five EFL Cups, three FA Cups, three Community Shields plus a Champions League, a Super Cup and a Club World Cup.

#city #foden #always

While Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola share similar footballing philosophies, life will be different at Manchester City with Maresca as the manager. One such difference between the pair is the size of the squad that each manager wants to operate with. Pep Guardiola preferred to work with a smaller squad to maintain performance and team harmony. Sam Lee has reported for The Athletic that Maresca would prefer to work with a bigger squad than Guardiola.
With that in mind, could Enzo Maresca’s demands hand several players a lifeline to resurrect their Manchester City careers? Perhaps it could depending on what role and position Maresca wants them to play.
Looking at the Manchester City squad, there are four players who could earn a lifeline of sorts from Enzo Maresca. Those four are Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Rico Lewis, and James Trafford. There is a case for each to play a more prominent role under Maresca.
In the case of Nico Gonzalez, there is a vacancy in midfield with Bernardo Silva having left the club. Yes, City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. They also remain in the market for another midfielder. Also, Rodri is set to have a delayed start to next season. That could be Nico’s lifeline if City do not sign another midfielder. The other factor is that Nico Gonzalez will get the pre season to impress Maresca unless he secures a summer transfer.
Tijjani Reijnders and Rico Lewis could also potentially fight for a role in Manchester City’s midfield. Reijnders may be a player that Maresca could use. Reijnders’ ability to score goals from midfield could be an attribute that Maresca values. However, the Dutch international would have to fight Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki for minutes you would ****** ume. Rico Lewis has always looked to be a midfielder rather than a right-back. Could he play in midfield under Maresca? Perhaps he could but his size in the physical Premier League counts against him.

#ClubWorldCup #ManCity

Per
brfootball
: Phil Foden's speedy strike saw Manchester City get off the mark in just two minutes of their Club World Cup match.