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.
"I don't know if he can be one of the leaders but for sure because many players left he has to be one to step forward in terms of personality, leadership, and these kind of things," Maresca said.
"But since day one I am very happy with the way he is working and his mood, he's happy, he's good."
Foden started against Bournemouth last weekend, setting up an excellent first-half chance for Rico Lewis, but he was replaced in the 82nd minute with City trailing 1-0 - before two late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol turned the match around.
"I'm quite happy with Phil's game in the last game against Bournemouth," Maresca said of his performance.
"He played as a winger, in the second half he was a bit more inside in what we know is his best position but at this moment with Jeremy (Doku's) injury we are trying to find solutions.
"I'm happy with Phil, the way he was the other day, knowing for sure he can give much more. No doubt he's going to be again the Phil we all know and we all want."
Foden is among the current City players who remember Maresca from his time as an assistant to former boss Pep Guardiola in 2022-23.
Asked if he has had to change his approach with those players now he is in charge, Maresca said: "No, because the way I like to have a relation(ship) with the players is quite a simple relation(ship). It doesn't change.
"What has changed a lot from my previous experience here is that 90 per cent of the squad is not here. I think it's Erling, Ruben, Phil, Rico, three or four more players, no more than that, so the squad is completely new."
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