Maresca questions Foden’s omission and backs Donnarumma

Enzo Maresca has questioned Phil Foden’s latest omission from the England squad, while saying Manchester City are happy with the midfielder. The manager also backed Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose recent mistakes have attracted scrutiny.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday ahead of City’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, Maresca said he was surprised by the decision involving Foden. Thomas Tuchel once again left the player out for the Nations League matches, despite signs that he was returning to form at club level. “He is doing well. I don’t know why he has been left out of the national team, but we are happy with Phil,” City’s manager said.

Maresca believes Foden still has more to give and stressed the part he sees himself playing in the midfielder’s progress. “We know that he can give much more, we know that. But slowly, slowly, it is my duty to help him. He will be back and be one of the best,” he added. Phil Foden has played a part in Manchester City’s recent attacking upturn, highlighted by his three-goal performance in their Champions League win against AEK Athens. Left out of England’s plans, he will remain with his club rather than join the squad for matches against Croatia and Spain.

The other subject Maresca addressed was Donnarumma. The goalkeeper has faced scrutiny after errors against Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa and RB Leipzig. The manager declined to treat his form as a major concern, pointing to the saves he has made and the Italian’s awareness of his mistakes. “He’s good, overall he’s good,” Maresca said of the goalkeeper’s mood. He described Donnarumma as “quite relaxed”, aware that he had made mistakes but also produced good saves.

Maresca said he had spoken to the goalkeeper but saw no need to go into detail, as Donnarumma already understood what had gone wrong. In Wednesday’s Champions League match against Leipzig, the goalkeeper was beaten at his near post, but had also made an important save earlier in the game. “He recognises that he has made some mistakes, but at the same time recognises that he has made some great saves,” Maresca added.

City travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday for their final fixture before the international break. Maresca is backing both Foden and Donnarumma to respond positively.