New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is facing a unique challenge as he shapes his squad for the upcoming season: finding a player willing to be the fifth-choice centre-back, a role that demands patience and a selfless mindset. Following Pep Guardiola's departure, Maresca inherits a team that has thrived on mental fortitude, but filling this specific position has proven difficult as few players are eager to sit on the bench.
Guardiola's Emphasis on Mindset
Pep Guardiola prioritized mindset above all else during his tenure at Manchester City. Players who couldn't maintain the right attitude in training often found themselves out of the team, regardless of match-winning performances. The former manager frequently spoke about 'good faces' and 'bad faces,' expecting those not in the starting XI to support their teammates while striving to earn their place.
Oleksandr Zinchenko exemplified this ethos, refusing to leave the club even when offers were accepted because he was determined to succeed at the Etihad. He would undertake extra gym sessions when not selected and eventually played a major role in City's success over several years.
Nathan Ake's Departure Leaves a Void
Nathan Ake was another success story, never considered one of City's top two centre-backs yet winning four league titles in six years and starting in the Treble-winning Champions League final. His departure to Fenerbahce has opened up a significant gap in the squad that Maresca must fill.
The problem is that few players want to be the fifth-choice centre-back in a team where only two typically play each week. However, it is an essential role for any club competing in four competitions, requiring fierce ambition and patience.
Current Defensive Lineup
City already boast a formidable defensive core: Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Marc Guehi, and Abdukodir Khusanov are locked in as four strong options. This makes it exceptionally difficult for any new addition to break into the starting lineup. With the club considering loan offers for Max Alleyne, Vitor Reis appears to be the frontrunner for the fifth spot.
Vitor Reis: A Potential Solution
Brazilian defender Vitor Reis has been eager to break into the first team since joining in January 2025. After a loan spell at Girona last season, where he impressed despite the Spanish side's relegation, he has been putting in extra work during pre-season to catch Maresca's attention.
However, it remains a significant ask for Reis to choose a fifth-choice role when numerous European clubs would happily start him immediately. As Simon Bajkowski, Chief Manchester City Writer, notes: 'Somebody has to do it though, and Ake and others have shown that the rewards for being so bold could be enormous.'
Historical Precedent
Manu Akanji arrived in 2022 for a similar backup role but worked his way up to start the Champions League final. This history demonstrates that patience and the right attitude can lead to major opportunities at City.
Maresca now faces the challenge of convincing a player to embrace this demanding yet potentially rewarding position, ensuring the squad remains competitive across all fronts.
