A new chapter at the Etihad

Manchester City are at the start of a new era under Enzo Maresca, who cannot wait to get his first season in charge under way as the 2026-27 campaign looms large. City are under new management following the end of Pep Guardiola's trophy-laden, 10-year stint in charge.

Former Leicester City and Chelsea boss Maresca, who has been at City before as an assistant coach, has been handed the task of replacing Guardiola. And while he has big shoes to fill, the Italian cannot wait to get going, with City's first competitive game of the new campaign coming up on Sunday when they face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield.

"I'm completely excited, I know the expectation when you join a club like City," Maresca told the club's media channels. "The expectation is to win games, to win titles and to compete for titles. And we are going to try that. I'm very happy [to be back]."

"It's a special moment; the feeling is like being back at home so it's a very nice feeling. The people inside the building, they are almost the same," he added. "The squad is maybe 80% changed but overall, I had exactly the same feeling. Good people, it's nice to be here."

Squad overhaul under way

City have signed four new players so far this summer, with the £116m acquisition of Elliot Anderson their standout purchase. James Trafford, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have been sold, while stalwarts John Stones and Bernardo Silva departed on free transfers.

Question marks remain over Rodri's future, with Real Madrid and Barcelona interested in the Spain star, while City are in talks to sign Lille's 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and are also reportedly interested in Enzo Fernandez.

The weight of expectation

And even though he has only just settled into his role, Maresca knows the pressure is on to deliver silverware this season.

"Try to win some titles," he said when asked what the expectations were. "But as I said before, it's what the club has to fight for, so hopefully we can be at the end of the season and enjoy that moment."