There will be a completely different feel to the Enzo Maresca era at Manchester City
· Yahoo Sports
After two preseason friendlies, it is beginning to become apparent that a Manchester City team managed by Enzo Maresca is a different beast to the one that Pep Guardiola created. There are similarities, given that Maresca does want his team to play possession-based football like Guardiola. However, the way that Maresca utilises his wingers, his full-backs and wants his team to press is different to Guardiola. Also, Maresca seems likely to have an opportunity to shape his own Manchester City squad. City have lost several key leaders and it also seems highly likely that Rodri will leave City. Enzo Maresca will now have the opportunity to install his own leaders for his team.
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A host of important figures on the pitch have left, or are likely to leave, Manchester City.
Manchester City have already seen Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Ake depart the club this summer. It now looks like Rodri will also depart the Etihad this summer. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Barcelona are increasingly confident of signing Rodri before the summer transfer window closes. Furthermore, Romano reports that Rodri has respectfully informed Manchester City of his intention to return to Spain. Lastly, Romano reports that Barcelona will submit an improved offer for Rodri after seeing their opening bid for the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder rejected.
With who has already left Manchester City and it seemingly only a matter of time before Rodri departs the club there will be a leadership void in Enzo Maresca’s squad. The departures of Stones, Ake and Bernardo Silva, plus Pep Guardiola’s departure have created this situation. Rodri’s likely move to Barcelona creates a further hole in City’s leadership situation.
However, there is an opportunity for other players to now step up and fill a sizable void in Maresca’s squad. Also, this scenario does give Enzo Maresca a chance to find the leaders that he feels can lead the way in Manchester City’s new era.
Enzo Maresca will have the opportunity to shape his squad with a fresh batch of leaders.
It would seem that Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias are the favourites to be Manchester City’s next captain. The pair were part of City’s captaincy group last season alongside Bernardo Silva and Rodri. However, Enzo Maresca has had an opportunity to look at other players and the leadership traits they possess during Manchester City’s preseason tour of Asia.
Phil Foden has stated his goal to step up into Manchester City’s leadership group. Marc Guehi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol could all earn their way into such a position. At times last season, Rayan Cherki displayed leadership traits on the pitch, directing proceedings both in and out of possession. All of these players will have an opportunity to show Enzo Maresca they have what it takes otbbe leaders alongside Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland. The challenge is now in front of those players, and others, to earn that opportunity and help lead Manchester City’s new era.
Everything does feel new at Manchester City. Club legends and a host of experience have left the club this summer with the potential of another leader in Rodri to follow. These departures provide other players the opportunity to fill the leadership void. Enzo Maresca will also find his leadership group throughout Manchester City’s preseason. This will create an entirely new dynamic at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders, which will carry them into the 2026-27 season and beyond.