Photo: Ank kumar / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
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Phil Foden has said he expects to take on a leadership role at Manchester City this season, entering his 10th campaign as part of the senior squad.
The 26-year-old midfielder made the comments at a press conference in Seoul ahead of City's pre-season friendly against a K-League All Stars side on Wednesday 5 August, the second match of the club's 2026 Asia tour.
"I think I have to be really," Foden said when asked whether he wanted to be one of the captains. "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 I 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."
Foden captained City in their opening tour fixture, a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in Hong Kong that ended in a penalty shootout defeat. Former captain Bernardo Silva left the club in the summer, and experienced defenders John Stones and Nathan Ake have also moved on.
The midfielder debuted for City's senior side in November 2017, making him one of the longest-serving players in the current squad. New head coach Enzo Maresca has asked Foden to set an example for younger players on tour.
"What he wants from me at the moment is to be an example to the young lads on tour," Foden said. "To try to train well, keep my head down and work hard and set a good example to the young lads."
Foden also offered an early indication of how City's style may evolve under Maresca, while stopping short of revealing specifics. "It's very similar to how we played under Pep, but there are still things that are a bit different," he said. "Maybe the defending's a bit different the way we set up. We have different ideas about how to play out from the back."
"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 excited for the new season and hopefully we can have a really good year."
City's tour continues with the K-League All Stars fixture on Wednesday 5 August before a meeting with Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August, both kicking off at 12:00 UK time.