Maresca's confidence in Foden
Enzo Maresca has backed Phil Foden to score against Ipswich Town today, offering a light-hearted prediction during his pre-match press conference. The City manager's quip came as he discussed the midfielder's return to contention after a difficult spell.
"He will score tomorrow!"
Foden has made six appearances in all competitions this season, contributing two assists. His campaign was interrupted by a three-match suspension following a red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes in the September derby, a match City won 1-0.
Maresca acknowledged the disruption but remains positive about the player's progress. "The international break and since the red card against United has been quite long," he said. "But he has been training well, he's doing well since we start [made a] very positive start, very good."
The manager also stressed the need to manage Foden's return carefully amid a crowded fixture list. "We will see if he is available tomorrow, but we have so many games," Maresca added. "We need to decide if he starts tomorrow or not and if he does, no doubt he will give us something."
Foden was an unused substitute in City's 4-2 loss to PSG, and with Gary O'Neil's Ipswich the visitors at the Etihad Stadium, Maresca will weigh whether to hand him a starting role. The manager's approach remains measured: "We just try to work with him day by day."
City fans will hope that work pays off quickly, starting today.