Manchester City preview: Five key questions heading into 2026-27 season | Football News
Manchester City Begins New Season Without Pep Guardiola
For the first time in a decade, Manchester City will start a season without Pep Guardiola at the helm. Guardiola’s departure marks the end of a highly successful era for the club, during which it secured six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, establishing City as a dominant force in English football.
Enzo Maresca, Guardiola’s former assistant, takes over as the club’s manager. He inherits a squad rich in talent, including Norway striker Erling Haaland, but faces the challenge of following a legendary figure.
As City prepares to open its league campaign against Bournemouth on Sunday, several key questions loom for the new season.
Can Maresca Succeed Guardiola?
Maresca steps into a role shaped entirely by Guardiola’s philosophy for the past ten years. Comparisons have been drawn to Manchester United’s struggles following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Having served as Guardiola’s assistant during the treble-winning season, Maresca has built his own reputation at Leicester and Chelsea, suggesting that his appointment may not be entirely without merit. The club aims to maintain continuity in its football style, though Maresca must quickly establish his identity on the pitch. Known for occasional conflicts with players and staff, Maresca’s leadership will be scrutinized as he manages the immense expectations that come with leading a squad that finished as runners-up last season. His tenure began on a difficult note, with City suffering a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
How Will City Replace Rodri?
Rodri has been an essential figure in City’s midfield, contributing significantly to their success and helping Spain secure the World Cup this year, where he earned the tournament’s Golden Ball. His recent transfer to Barcelona poses a substantial challenge for City.
To bolster their midfield, City has signed England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for around £116 million ($153 million). While Anderson brings energy and ball-winning capabilities, he is not a direct replacement for Rodri. The club is also reportedly pursuing 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, although he remains an unproven talent. Ultimately, City may have to manage Rodri’s absence by distributing his responsibilities among younger players.
Can City Address Game Management Issues?
Last season, City’s title hopes were undermined by poor game management, resulting in the loss of 17 points from winning positions. Maresca’s pragmatic approach may help rectify these issues, but with key players John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Nathan Ake having departed, it remains uncertain whether the new squad will adapt to a more controlled style of play.
Is Haaland’s Scoring Enough for a Title Challenge?
Erling Haaland continues to be a formidable offensive presence for City, and few league defenses can contain him when the team performs well. However, challenges remain with a title challenge anchored mainly around a single striker, as demonstrated by City’s struggles last season. The addition of Omar Marmoush adds depth, but Maresca will need to develop a more diverse attack.
Will a World Cup Hangover Affect the Squad?
Several players from City participated deep into the World Cup, including Haaland, leaving the team thin for the start of preseason and complicating preparations amid an unsettled transfer window. In the Community Shield against Arsenal, City appeared lethargic compared to their opponents.
“I don’t know if it was physical condition, we had many players at the World Cup,” Maresca said following the match. “After the first goal, the reaction was good, but after the second goal, it became more complicated.”
As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Maresca navigates these challenges and positions City for success.
