Alan Shearer has warned that Enzo Maresca's future at Manchester City could be in doubt if the club fails to win the title. The former Newcastle United striker also expressed confusion about City's transfer business amid the ongoing charges for an alleged breach of Premier League rules.
City's perfect start under Maresca
City have enjoyed a perfect start to the Premier League this season, winning all three of their opening matches with victories against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City. Those wins currently see City at the top of the table and one of only two clubs to maintain a 100 percent record, along with current champions Arsenal, who defeated Chelsea on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates.
City have gone into the season with Maresca as their new manager following the departure of Pep Guardiola in the summer after 10 years in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Shearer's verdict on Maresca's position
Shearer, who was speaking before City beat Coventry over the weekend, believes that Maresca's position as the club's manager could be under threat if he does not win the title this season.
“You're paying that amount of investment out to win the league,” Shearer told Betfair. “So, City now have to be title challengers.”
“And if they don't win the league then I guess the manager would be under huge pressure. You don't spend that money to finish second or third.”
Transfer spending amid charges
Shearer also weighed in on the 115 charges for allegedly breaching Premier League rules that are still yet to have a verdict, and the seemingly lack of impact it has on City's transfer business.
City signed Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez in deals worth more than £100million each, while Ayyoub Bouaddi was also signed from Lille in a deal reportedly worth up to £86million and Iliman Ndiaye arrived from Everton for around £65million.
“I haven't got a clue how Man City have been able to spend the money they have whilst they are still under those charges,” Shearer said.
“I mean I get why there's so many questions being asked, it's just gone on too long, hasn't it?”
“I saw an interview with Richard Masters not so long ago when he said that I understand how everyone views it and looks at it, but he says it's the independent commission decision, so I don't know. I really don't know.”
