After waiting a long time, Manchester City formalized the arrival of its new coach on Monday. Without much surprise, it is Enzo Maresca. “Manchester City are delighted to confirm the appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager. A bald man with a gray beard, wearing a black jacket on a blue background. The Italian has signed a three-year contract until the summer of 2029. For Maresca, this will be his third spell at the club, and he arrives armed with plenty of experience and success at elite level.we could read in the press release, where the English club did not fail to make a small reference to the physical resemblance between its new coach and his predecessor, a certain Pep Guardiola. But the Italian, who has already worked with the Spaniard, also adopts the same playing philosophy as him.
“This is the third time I’ve come back. I hope this will be the last and that I won’t leave again. I’m thrilled, for many reasons. The first is the importance of the club; so that’s definitely one of the main reasons. This is a tall order, for many reasons. All the success of the last 10 to 15 years, but at the same time, it’s a great challenge. It’s stimulating because the objective is to continue the momentum of the last ten or last years, where everything went very well. You will discover certain things. The reason why I am here is probably also because the club wants to keep the same style of play, the same philosophy, and we will try to do what matters most in football: winning, achieving great things. Then my work will take place day by day. »
City will spoil their coach
Concerning the workforce at his disposal, he specified: “It’s a young team, but it’s a very good team. I also think we have the right balance between young players and more experienced players, which helps the young players a lot to progress and improve. » Maresca was then asked about the transfer window. “The team is already good, that’s for sure. There are still a few details to be resolved, but we are working with Hugo (Viana; the sports director) and we will see. » What has already been seen is that Elliot Anderson will join them. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has passed his medical and is expected to sign a long-term contract. For him, the Skyblues will pay between €135 and €150 million according to various sources. The residents of the Etihad Stadium therefore did not hesitate to break the bank to spoil Maresca.
And they don’t plan to stop there. The Athletic indicates that City’s new strongman wants a bigger squad than Pep Guardiola. Especially since there will be around ten departures this summer. Enzo Maresca identified three priorities. The first is to get your hands on a right back. Malo Gusto’s profile is very popular. Some sources have told us of a deal, but others have not confirmed. For the Chelsea player, who Maresca knows well since he has already checked him off, it will be necessary to put in €87 million. This is the price announced by the Blues. At the same time, the Manchester Evening News has mentioned an interest in a less expensive track leading to Givairo Read (Feyenoord). Maresca also wants to strengthen the midfield. The name of Enzo Fernandez, whom the coach managed at Chelsea, is mentioned. But the Argentinian, whose price is set at €140 million, seems to give his preference to Real Madrid.
3 priorities and more recruits depending on departures
Still in the midfield, the name of Ayyoub Bouaddi is cited by the English media. A transfer with a one-year loan to Lille or a straight transfer without a loan are considered for the player whose price is between €80 and €100 million. The profile of Sandro Tonali also pleases. But the Newcastle player, who has the advantage of knowing the Premier League well, seems promised to Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham. Unless City manages to divert it. For him, Newcastle expects €115 million. Finally, Maresca also wants a winger who can dribble and create chances. Few names came out of the hat. Monday, Sky Sports indicated that the Skyblues are monitoring Yan Diomandé, for whom at least €150 million will be needed if Leipzig were to open the door. An element which visibly chose PSG, although it publicly denied it. Without counting Anderson, there are therefore 3 recruits (right back, a midfielder and a winger) who are expected by Maresca and City, who are aiming for XXL targets worth several million euros. There will be more depending on departures in the current workforce.
Not counting Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who have already left, Nathan AkĂ©, Mateo Kovacic, James Trafford, Ruben Dias, Nico Gonzales and Omar Marmoush could leave. Ditto for Tidjani Reinjders. Savinho seems to be heading towards Tottenham. Loanees Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish will not return. Which makes around ten departures. Finally, Rodri’s case will have to be dealt with. The Spaniard, who has not signed a new contract, is attracted by Real Madrid. Man City does not rule out his departure. Finally, the English decided to shield Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden and JĂ©rĂ©my Doku. Ready for this exciting new challenge, Enzo Maresca should not be the only new face this summer at Manchester City.
