Maresca’s first test: reshaping City after Guardiola’s overhaul

Enzo Maresca has been appointed as Manchester City’s new manager, marking the first Italian to take the role. The 44‑year‑old arrives with a modest honours list but previously won the Premier League 2 with City and served in Pep Guardiola’s backroom during the Treble season. Manchester City secured Maresca after a prolonged pursuit that included paying compensation to Chelsea. Elliot Anderson will be the first player signed under Maresca, signalling the start of squad restructuring. The manager must also evaluate the current roster, targeting positions that need reinforcement while considering the possible exits of Rico Lewis, Savinho, Mateo Kovacic and Nathan Ake, whose contract expires at the end of next season. With Bernardo Silva’s departure, Maresca faces the decision of appointing a new club captain, a choice previously left to the players under Guardiola. He will also continue the club’s tradition of promoting an academy graduate to the first‑team squad each season.

Manchester City appoint Enzo Maresca while Italy looks away

Contract extensions are a parallel priority, highlighted by Rodri’s deal ending at season’s close and reports of stalled talks with the Ballon d’Or winner. Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku have also been linked with new deals to secure their futures at the Etihad. Determining the number‑one goalkeeper adds another layer of complexity, as Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the incumbent. James Trafford, who attracted calls for more minutes last season, is rumored to be moving to Newcastle United, leaving Maresca to decide his fate.

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City have become accustomed to competing on all four fronts each campaign and reaching the latter stages of each competition. Guardiola’s departure was preceded by a substantial squad overhaul, which Maresca must now fine‑tune. The first test of Maresca’s agenda will arrive at the Community Shield curtain‑raiser against Arsenal on 16 August. As Emily Brobyn regularly reports on BBC Radio Manchester, the upcoming fixture will offer a clear indication of how the new manager balances continuity with his own vision.