Enzo Maresca welcomes title pressure as Manchester City begin a new chapter

New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has accepted the challenge of following Pep Guardiola as he gets ready to guide the club into a fresh phase ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The Italian coach said he fully understands the expectations at the Etihad Stadium, with trophies clearly the target before Sunday’s Community Shield.

Maresca starts City tenure

Maresca has formally launched a new era at City after being named Guardiola’s successor, bringing to a close the decorated 10-year spell of the former manager at the Etihad Stadium. The ex-Leicester City and Chelsea boss is back in Manchester after previously working at the club as an assistant coach. Even though he is taking over after a hugely successful period, the Italian said he is enjoying the challenge as he prepares for his first competitive match of the 2026-27 season, with City facing Premier League champions Arsenal in Sunday’s Community Shield.

Italian enjoys return home

Maresca spoke of his huge excitement at taking charge of the Cityzens for what promises to be a demanding new campaign, with pre-season preparations now nearing their end.

Speaking to the club’s official media channels, Maresca accepted the high standards waiting for him: "I'm completely excited, I know the expectation when you join a club like City. 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]."

Looking back on his return to familiar surroundings, he added: "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. The squad is maybe 80% changed but overall, I had exactly the same feeling. Good people, it's nice to be here."

Major rebuild reshapes squad

The change in the dugout has come alongside a major reshaping of the squad, with four new signings arriving, including the headline £116 million move for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

At the same time, City have approved the departures of James Trafford, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, while long-serving figures John Stones and Bernardo Silva have left on free transfers. The make-up of the dressing room is still evolving amid continued interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona in Rodri, while the club are also in discussions over Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and keeping tabs on Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez.

Speaking about the ambition to win silverware during this period of transition, Maresca said: "Try to win some titles. 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."

Arsenal challenge comes straight away

Maresca’s first official assignment comes immediately in Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal. The season opener will offer an early indication of how quickly City’s rebuilt squad have taken on his tactical ideas before the Premier League season starts. Away from the pitch, the club’s leadership remain focused on the closing days of the transfer window as they try to complete midfield additions and resist European interest in important players.