Enzo Maresca’s First Press Conference as Manchester City Manager
Enzo Maresca, the new manager for Manchester City, held his first news conference, addressing his new role, the future of key players, and paying tribute to a former manager. Maresca acknowledged the challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola, who led the club for a decade.
During the conference, Maresca sent a message of condolence to the family of former Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan, who passed away recently. He described it as a privilege to take over from Guardiola, recognising the significant task ahead.
Player Updates and Departures
Maresca provided an update on Rodri, who has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium. Rodri is scheduled for surgery next week and is expected to rejoin the team after his recovery. The manager indicated that the issue is not considered serious, though Rodri will miss the season’s opening match against Bournemouth.
The transfer window is set to close on 1 September, and there is speculation regarding Real Madrid potentially making a move for Rodri, who has one year remaining on his current contract and has not yet signed a new deal offered by Manchester City. Rodri recently lifted the World Cup for Spain.
When asked about the futures of Jack Grealish and James Trafford, Maresca did not offer specific details. He also declined to elaborate on his departure from Chelsea, stating he had nothing further to add, despite reports that the London club felt let down by his exit.
Maresca’s Vision and Pre-Season Plans
Maresca discussed the history of managers at Manchester City, noting that the club has had three managers over 17 years. He expressed confidence in his ability to continue the work established in previous years, citing the tenures of Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, and Guardiola.
The manager highlighted the importance of adapting and evolving in football, mentioning set pieces and man-to-man marking as current trends. He stated that it is the duty of managers to find solutions within the evolving game.
Maresca’s immediate focus is on the upcoming pre-season tour of Asia, which begins on Tuesday. The tour includes matches against Inter in Hong Kong, and both the K-League All Stars and Atlético Madrid in Seoul. Key players who exited the World Cup early, such as Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Abdukodir Khusanov, are expected to join the tour.
The manager noted that he is currently working with many young players, who bring energy and talent to the squad. The remaining senior players are expected to join the team three or four days before the Community Shield match. The competitive season for Maresca will effectively begin after a match against Arsenal.
In terms of new additions, along with potential interest in Lille‘s Ayyoub Bouaddi, who performed well at the World Cup. Maresca also retains an interest in Malo Gusto, a former right-back from his time at Chelsea. Should Omar Marmoush depart, the club plans to seek a similar forward in the market.
Community Event and Ticket Information
Fans are invited to an event titled “City Are Back,” presented by Etihad Airways, offering an opportunity to engage with the team before Maresca’s first season. This event will allow supporters to see new signings and hear from the new manager, new recruits, and familiar faces.
The event, which includes entertainment, music, and a Kids Fanzone with football skills challenges, will take place at the Joie Stadium. Gates open at 13:30 UK time, with the event commencing at 14:00 UK time. Exclusive prizes, including a signed shirt and hospitality tickets, will be available. Attendees will also have the chance to take photos with last season’s domestic double trophies, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Tickets for the event are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for Under 21s and Over 65s, with hospitality packages also available. Each supporter can purchase two tickets. Tickets go on sale for Season Ticket Members and Cityzens Official Members at 10:00 UK time on Tuesday, 28 July. General sale, subject to availability, begins at 10:00 UK time on Wednesday, 29 July.
General admission tickets for Manchester City’s home 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are currently on sale to Premium, Matchday, and Junior Members. Season Ticket Members can also purchase additional tickets for selected games, with junior and adult Matchday Member ticket prices for Premier League matches maintained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.
Source: bbc.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
