A New Era Begins at the Etihad
For the first time in a decade, Manchester City are preparing for a Premier League season without Pep Guardiola in the dugout. The Spanish tactician's departure concludes the most trophy-laden period in the club's history — a stretch that included six league titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph, cementing City's status as the dominant force in English football.
In his place comes Enzo Maresca, a manager tasked with maintaining the club's elite status while carving out his own identity. As City open their league season at home to Bournemouth, five pressing questions loom large over what promises to be a defining campaign.
Can Maresca Step Out of Guardiola's Shadow?
Few managerial transitions in modern football carry as much weight as this one. Comparisons to Manchester United's prolonged decline following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 have already begun to surface. Maresca, however, is not an unknown quantity. He served as Guardiola's assistant during City's treble-winning season and has since earned his own managerial credentials at Leicester City and Chelsea.
City's appointment of Maresca signals a preference for continuity over reinvention. The expectation is that their possession-based style will remain recognisable, though Maresca must assert his own authority quickly. His reputation for occasional friction with players and staff adds an element of uncertainty to what is already a high-pressure role. A 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield — his first competitive match in charge — was not the start anyone at the club was hoping for.
Who Fills the Void Left by Rodri?
Rodri's departure to Barcelona represents arguably the most significant personnel loss City have faced under any modern manager. The Spanish midfielder was the engine room of Guardiola's system, combining elite defensive instincts with exceptional passing range. He also claimed the Golden Ball at this year's World Cup, where he helped Spain lift the trophy, underlining just how irreplaceable he is.
City responded by signing England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal reportedly worth £116 million. Anderson brings energy and ball-carrying ability, though his profile as a box-to-box midfielder differs significantly from Rodri's more disciplined, positional role. The club are also said to be pursuing 18-year-old Lille prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi, though he remains a raw talent. Distributing Rodri's responsibilities across multiple younger players may be the most realistic short-term solution, but it carries obvious risks.
Will City Improve Their Game Management?
One of the more damaging patterns from last season was City's tendency to concede ground from winning positions. They dropped 17 points from games in which they had been ahead — a costly habit that ultimately derailed their title bid. Maresca's reputation for a more pragmatic approach could help address this vulnerability.
However, the summer has brought notable departures. John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Nathan Ake have all left the club, raising questions about whether the new arrivals possess the experience and composure needed to see out tight matches under pressure. This remains one of the more concrete tactical puzzles Maresca must solve before the season gains momentum.
Is the Attack Too Reliant on Haaland?
Erling Haaland continues to be one of the most lethal strikers in world football, and City's attacking threat is largely built around his ability to convert chances. When City function well as a team, few defenders can contain him. But an attack overly dependent on a single player has proven to be a weakness before, and last season offered a cautionary example.
Omar Marmoush provides a capable supporting option, but the quality gap between him and Haaland is considerable. Maresca will need to develop a more varied and unpredictable attacking structure to avoid opponents successfully neutralising City by simply containing Haaland. Depth and creativity in forward areas will be essential if City are to mount a sustained title challenge.
How Much Will the World Cup Affect the Squad Early On?
City sent a substantial number of first-team players deep into the World Cup, with six still involved in the tournament's final week — including Haaland and Jeremy Doku. The condensed recovery period has left Maresca working with a reduced group during the early stages of preseason, adding to what is already a disrupted transfer window.
The effects appeared visible in the Community Shield, where City looked noticeably sluggish compared to a sharper, fresher Arsenal side. Maresca acknowledged the issue after the match, noting the physical demands placed on players who featured late in the tournament. Managing fatigue and restoring competitive sharpness in the opening weeks of the campaign will be a delicate balancing act as the new season unfolds.
