Enzo Maresca faces a complex set of challenges as he takes over as Manchester City manager, needing to navigate the legacy of Pep Guardiola, manage squad transitions, and close the gap to Arsenal.
Cast Off Guardiola's Shadow
How Maresca follows Guardiola is the defining question he must answer on the pitch. In 10 era-defining years, Guardiola won 20 titles, including three Community Shields. Maresca was his assistant during the 2022-23 treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. He also led City's elite development squad to the Premier League 2 title in 2020-21, guided Leicester to Premier League promotion in 2024, and won the Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2025, defeating Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final.
Rodri's Future and Elliot Anderson
Rodri, City's midfield controller, may leave this summer. The 29-year-old has given mixed signals about his desire to stay beyond his 2027 contract. "I'm very calm, I know exactly where I stand, and I'll tell you that perhaps if there hadn't been a World Cup, things might be different now," he said on Monday. A sale could fund a replacement: Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, 23, is on the verge of signing for £116m. Anderson is a key midfielder for Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup campaign.
Close the Gap to Arsenal
City finished seven points behind champions Arsenal this season, with the title race ending after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Maresca's mission is to overhaul that margin or come close enough to ensure job security. A sticky patch, especially early on, could see him cast as City's David Moyes—the man who failed to follow a legendary manager.
Secure Hierarchy Backing
City's ethos, per chair Khaldoon al-Mubarak, is that no manager is more important than the club. However, the club built a Barcelona-like operation for Guardiola's arrival, with Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain. Begiristain left last summer, replaced by Hugo Viana, as the post-Guardiola era begins. For Maresca to succeed, three factors must align: the hierarchy must have chosen the right man, players must be convinced, and the board must back him during difficult periods.
Find Alternative Scoring Options
Since Erling Haaland's arrival in 2022, City have been built around the Norwegian striker. This strategy yielded a treble, a Super Cup, a Club World Cup, four consecutive league titles, and a domestic double last season. However, when Haaland is injured or misfires, City struggle. In 2023-24, Haaland scored 22 Premier League goals (third behind Mohamed Salah) and eight in other competitions, resulting in City's only trophyless season since his arrival. Maresca must develop other scoring avenues.
