Phil Foden has spent his entire football life at Manchester City. He joined the academy at four, which makes the shift happening around him at the Etihad feel particularly significant.

At 26, he is suddenly one of the longest-serving players in the squad. With Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne moving on in recent seasons, the dressing room has a different look to it. Foden, for the first time in his career, sounds like a man who understands the responsibility that comes with that.

'One of the captains this season'

He is not shying away from the role, either. Having been at the club for so long and watched so many senior figures leave, he knows what is expected of him now.

"I've been at the club for so long, I'm one of the last remaining players that have been here for a long time, so I have to be one of the leaders, one of the captains this season, for sure."

It is a natural evolution for a player who has already achieved plenty. Six Premier League titles, a Champions League winners' medal and numerous domestic cups sit on his CV. In 2024 he spearheaded the charge to a record fourth consecutive league title and was voted the best player in England.

His commitment to the cause was underlined earlier this summer when he put pen to paper on a new four-year deal running until 2030.

Life after Pep

The transition under Enzo Maresca is, by Foden's own admission, not a dramatic one. The new boss's approach is very similar to what they did under Pep Guardiola, even if there are tweaks here and there.

"It's very similar to how we played under Pep, but there's obviously still things that are a little different. Maybe the defending's a little different. We have different ideas playing out from the back, different variety on the ball."

For a player who has known only Guardiola, the change of manager represents something of a clean slate. He credits Maresca personally as a factor in his decision to stay, and he is clearly enjoying the early days of the new regime.

"I'm enjoying it, enjoying the new coaching staff, the way we're playing, the things we're doing in training. All I've known is Pep Guardiola, so a new manager is a fresh start."

The players, he insists, are comfortable with what is being asked of them. They want to play out from the back, build the attack and create. The lads are very comfortable with that, he says.

With a decade of unprecedented success under Guardiola now in the rearview mirror, City are embarking on a new era. Foden, for his part, is ready for it.

"I'm just really excited for the season, and hopefully we can have a really good year!"