Foden ready to be a leader at City
Phil Foden says he would like to be part of the leadership team as one of the longest serving players at City.
Lewis looking forward to building on relationship with Maresca
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.
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“I think I have to be really,” he said when asked whether he was interested in becoming one of the captains, ahead of Wednesday’s game in Seoul, South Korea.
“Obviously I have been in the club for so long, I am one of the last remaining players to have been here for a long time.
“So I think have to be this season, one of the leaders, one of the captains or in and around it for sure. I am looking forward to that new responsibility and trying to take leadership [on].”
An expert’s view of the K-League All Stars
Foden was the captain for our first match of the tour to Asia when we drew 1-1 with Inter in Hong Kong before losing a penalty shootout.
The midfielder is one of the most experienced players with the squad and has relished giving help to the younger members in the Far East.
“What [Maresca] wants from me at the moment is to be an example to the young lads on tour,” he said.
“To try to train well, keep my head down and work hard and set a good example to the young lads. That’s what I have been trying to do, really.”
And Foden says that City have been working on new ideas during training, even if the playing style will be very similar to how it was under Pep Guardiola.
City’s last visit to Seoul was unforgettable, says OSC member
“It’s very similar to how we played under Pep, but there are still things that are a bit different,” he added.
“I don’t want give too much away of how we play. Maybe the defending’s a bit different the way we set up. We have different ideas about how to play out from the back. A different variety of things on the ball.
“Different things, but we are very comfortable because we want to build from the back and try to create, so I think it suits everyone really well.
“I’ve found it good, to be honest. All I have known is Pep Guardiola so to go to a new manager is a fresh start.
“I am enjoying it, I am enjoying the new coaching staff and I like the ideas and way we are playing. I am excited for the new season and hopefully we can have a really good year.”
Watch our 2026 tour games on CITY+!
Subscribe to CITY+ now to see all three of City’s games during our 2026 pre-season tour of Asia.
After Saturday’s meeting with Inter, we’ll now head to Seoul to play a K League All-Stars side on Wednesday 5 August and then Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August. Both games begin at 12:00 (UK).
Each game will be available to watch on mancity.com and our official app for current CITY+ subscribers globally*.
Available for £34.99 annually or £9.99 per month, or unlock CITY+ as part of Premium Membership (£65/year), which brings together the best of City, in one membership.
*K-League All Stars v City: Globally available except South Korea
City v Atletico Madrid: Globally available except South Korea, Spain
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