How Maresca is tackling football's impossible job
September 15, 2026 06:02
Enzo Maresca has begun his Manchester City tenure with a string of victories, including a 1-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United in which Phil Foden received a red card and City finished much of the match with 10 players. The run also includes a Champions League success at Porto, leaving City unbeaten in their opening league and European fixtures under Maresca.
The manager’s in-game decisions — notably waiting to make major changes after Foden’s dismissal, shifting Rayan Cherki to the right and introducing Iliman Ndiaye at half-time — were highlighted as key to the derby result. Maresca has presented a noticeably different sideline demeanour to his predecessor and has adopted new training methods, such as playing loud house music to alter the atmosphere.
KEY CONTEXT
- Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola this summer amid high-profile comparisons to other difficult managerial transitions; he acknowledged clubs can struggle after the exit of long-serving bosses and said Guardiola would be frequently referenced but would not be a source of pressure for him.
- Ruben Dias, City’s captain, has said Maresca has added his own ideas in training and on pressing/defensive details, while retaining many of the club’s existing principles.
- City began the campaign with a 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal but have since strung together successive wins across domestic and European competition.
WHY IT MATTERS
Maresca’s immediate results and tactical choices matter because he has taken on a high-expectation role succeeding a very successful predecessor. Early composure from both coach and squad in high-pressure moments — such as navigating a derby with 10 men — provides evidence that the team can adapt to his methods without abandoning the club’s established playing model. That blend of continuity and new input is central to whether City sustain title challenges and defend trophies.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- City defend their Carabao Cup crown at home to Norwich (Thursday, 19:30 BST), then host Sunderland in the Premier League three days later; winning those two fixtures would extend Maresca’s near-perfect start.
- Whether Maresca’s quieter sideline style and training atmosphere (including loud house music) continue to influence the squad.