Foden has scored four times across his last two appearances, including a hat-trick against AEK Athens in the Champions League. The burst has come after a lengthy period without a goal and a difficult couple of seasons in which he lost his automatic place in City and England’s strongest line-ups.
Speaking about their relationship, Maresca said he had sat down with the 26-year-old two or three times, particularly at the beginning of his tenure, to make sure Foden understood how highly he was regarded.
“It’s been two or three times, especially at the beginning,” Maresca said. “Just to show him… I don’t know if love is the right word to use but to show him how important he is.
“I know Phil from years ago, so I know how good he is. For different reasons, the last few years he was not good enough.”
Maresca also contacted Foden when the midfielder was left out of England’s World Cup squad. The manager believes that restoring confidence and helping players enjoy their football are important parts of improving the team, rather than treating a short run of goals as proof that a player has fully returned to his peak.
“For me, it’s my duty to try to help him to be one of the best players in England again,” Maresca said.
The Manchester City manager cautioned against drawing too much from two strong performances. Foden also impressed in the league win over Ipswich, but Maresca stressed that the season is long and that every player must be ready when selected.
“When you have more players like Phil available you are better,” he said. “It’s not just about one game. The season is very long with many games.
“The important thing is when we decide to use Phil or another player, the important thing is they are ready and that the players are happy, enjoying football.”
Foden has acknowledged that he still has work to do before reaching the level that earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award for 2023-24. His latest performances, however, offer an encouraging sign that the support Maresca has emphasised is beginning to translate into results on the pitch.