Manchester City’s next chapter is already underway, with Enzo Maresca reportedly beginning work behind the scenes despite the club yet to formally unveil him as their new head coach.
The Italian, who has been chosen to lead the club into a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure, has started settling into life at the City Football Academy after weeks of negotiations concluded his move from Chelsea.
Securing Maresca’s appointment was not straightforward. City officials spent several weeks handling contractual and legal matters before reaching an agreement with Chelsea.
Sporting director Hugo Viana eventually completed an eight-figure compensation deal, allowing the club to move forward with its long-term plans.
Although many members of City’s senior squad remain away on international duty at the World Cup, Maresca has wasted little time in getting acquainted with his new role.
The 46-year-old faces the difficult task of succeeding one of the most influential managers in football history.
Guardiola’s departure marked the end of a highly successful era at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Maresca with the responsibility of guiding the club through a period of transition while maintaining its ambitions at the highest level.
City’s leadership has already demonstrated its commitment to supporting the new manager.
Earlier this week, the club completed a record-breaking £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, signalling their intent to strengthen the squad ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
The England international is expected to complete medical formalities while with his national team, adding another exciting option to a squad preparing for a fresh start under new leadership.
Maresca already studying squad data
According to reports from The Mirror’s Jeremy Cross, Maresca was spotted at Manchester City’s training complex familiarising himself with the environment and beginning detailed preparations for pre-season.
One of his first tasks has reportedly involved analysing information relating to every member of the first-team squad.
It is understood that he has been “studying data belonging to each member of his squad” as he prepares training programmes tailored to the needs of players returning from both international commitments and summer breaks.
The work represents a methodical approach that has become a hallmark of modern elite coaching.
By examining fitness metrics, performance statistics and individual development profiles, Maresca aims to ensure that City’s preparations begin on a strong footing when players reconvene.
The Italian is also expected to hold discussions with senior club figures in the coming days. Those meetings are likely to provide further clarity regarding expectations for the upcoming season and the broader direction of the project.
Among those expected to be involved are sporting director Hugo Viana and chief executive Ferran Soriano, while chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak could also play a key role in shaping strategic objectives.
Such conversations are particularly important given the scale of change currently taking place.
Transfer plans and pre-season objectives
Preparations are not limited to the training ground. Manchester City’s hierarchy continues to assess several transfer possibilities as they reshape the squad for the 2026-27 season.
Reports suggest the club remains interested in Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto, who could provide additional competition and depth.
- Man City stop 27-year-old player from leaving, reject transfer offer
- Man City reveal major condition for signing talented player from Chelsea
Meanwhile, City scouts are also monitoring Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, one of the most highly regarded young talents in European football.
A significant planning meeting is expected to take place before the official start of Maresca’s tenure.
Discussions involving the manager and senior executives could help define the minimum targets for the campaign while also determining whether further additions are required before the transfer window closes.
Attention is equally focused on pre-season preparations. City are scheduled to travel to Hong Kong and South Korea later this summer, where a series of exhibition matches will help players regain match sharpness and adapt to Maresca’s tactical ideas.
The tour begins with a meeting against Inter Milan on 1 August, providing the new manager with an early opportunity to assess his squad in competitive conditions.
While supporters continue to wait for the club’s official announcement, Maresca’s early activity suggests he is eager to hit the ground running.
