Enzo Maresca held three heart-to-heart conversations with Phil Foden in a bid to jumpstart his Manchester City career.

Foden has four goals in his last two matches, including a Champions League hat-trick against AEK Athens, having not found the net for 10 months prior.

Maresca has consistently claimed that it is his responsibility to break Foden out of a two-year funk that has seen him lose a guaranteed place in City and England's best starting line-ups.

The Italian called the 26-year-old when he missed out on the World Cup squad and has revealed that they regularly sit down, with Foden consistently reminded of his ability.

'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.'

Foden admitted in midweek that there remains 'a long way to go' until he recaptures the sort of form which saw him win the 2024 PFA Player of the Year award but believes he is headed in the right direction.

And Maresca warned that the past two performances – Foden was superb in the win over Ipswich Town as well – are not evidence of a return to former glories.

'When you have more players like Phil available you are better,' the City boss added. 'For me, it's my duty to try to help him to be one of the best players in England again.

'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.'

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