Manchester City are entering another week without Enzo Maresca being officially announced as their new head coach. The former Leicester and Chelsea manager, who previously served as Pep Guardiola's assistant, is the clear favourite to take over. It is expected to be only a matter of time before he is unveiled. Once he arrives, Maresca will be eager to start work immediately. Guardiola may have departed, but the objective for City remains unchanged: winning the Premier League. In the 2024/25 season, the club was in transition and failed to compete. This season, they pushed the title race to the final week but ultimately fell short, finishing second to Arsenal. However, coming close is not enough, as Guardiola emphasised in his farewell speech. To reclaim the title, Maresca must address several pressing issues.
Rodri's Uncertain Future
The World Cup offers fans a football fix, but City and Maresca would have preferred it not to be scheduled now. Rodri is one player whose future is on hold until after the tournament. Spain's star midfielder insists he knows 'exactly where he stands' regarding his future but will not discuss it until after the World Cup. While understandable, this creates difficulties for City. It appears City have at most 12 months to adequately replace a player who has been fundamental to their style for seven years. If Rodri decides to leave this summer, Maresca faces a crucial decision involving the next player.
Nico Gonzalez's Role
Rodri's lengthy absence during the 2024/25 season forced Guardiola and City to act in the January 2025 transfer window. Gonzalez was signed to fill the gap and performed well as City resurrected their season to qualify for the Champions League. However, the 24-year-old has dropped down the pecking order this term. Since Rodri returned to full fitness at the turn of the year, Gonzalez has become a distant second or even third or fourth choice. He was not included in the matchday squads for crucial games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. It is not too late for the Spaniard to revive his City career, but Maresca must decide whether Gonzalez can be trusted if Rodri leaves, or if a new signing is required.
Josko Gvardiol's Contract
Gvardiol's contract situation is less immediate but still important. The versatile Croatian defender has two years remaining on his deal. City would like to extend his stay, but negotiations have not concluded. This has attracted interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who could attempt to prise him away. The 24-year-old appears happy at City but seems to be keeping his options open. If Maresca wants Gvardiol in his long-term plans, he needs to prioritise a meeting to discuss his future.
James Trafford's Status
No one was pleased to see Guardiola leave, but Trafford would be lying if he said it didn't open a door for him. This season has not met Trafford's expectations. He started as the undisputed first choice but by the end of the summer transfer window, he was relegated to cup goalkeeper. Trafford performed well when given the chance, helping City win both domestic cups, but being first choice is his goal for next season. Maresca must decide whether Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the first choice or if Trafford can win back that spot. Had Guardiola stayed, leaving would have been guaranteed, but a new head coach could give the England international a lifeline.
Phil Foden's Form and Contract
Unlike the others, Foden's desire to stay is clear. The boyhood City fan would love to remain at the Etihad indefinitely. However, this season was tough for the 26-year-old, who has now entered the final year of his contract. City want him to sign a new deal, and while that is expected to be a formality, nothing has been confirmed. If Foden stays, Maresca must find a way to unlock the player City fans know he can be. Missing out on the World Cup could be a blessing in disguise, but the 2026/27 season needs to be his year.
