Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed confidence in his current squad despite ongoing uncertainty regarding several players’ futures. As the club prepares for its Premier League season opener against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, Maresca noted that the organization is bracing for further roster adjustments before the transfer window closes.
Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola during the off-season, acknowledged that managing the club’s transition involves handling significant changes. He emphasized that when players express a desire to leave, it becomes difficult to retain them. This situation has recently impacted the club, with the departure of midfielder Rodri to Barcelona and the pending transfer of winger Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur. According to reports, the deal for Savinho is valued at 85 million pounds ($115 million), which would represent a club-record sale for City, though neither club has issued an official statement.
The manager suggested that a lack of consistent playing time is a primary driver for those seeking exits. Regarding Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, who has been linked to a move, Maresca confirmed he remains with the team for now. He also addressed speculation surrounding Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, stating it would be inappropriate to discuss players under contract with other clubs, citing a lack of respect for the process.
Squad Availability and Injury Update
- Jeremy Doku: Ruled out for two to three weeks due to a calf injury sustained during the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
- Matheus Nunes: Has returned to full fitness and is available for selection.
- General Status: Aside from Doku, the remainder of the squad is fit and available for the upcoming fixture.
Upcoming Schedule
- August 2026 Opener: Home match against Bournemouth.
- Following Fixtures: Away trip to Crystal Palace, followed by a match against Coventry and the Manchester derby at Manchester United.
Maresca remains focused on the immediate task, noting that he and the club are working to identify necessary reinforcements. While he declined to name specific targets, he reiterated that the team is prepared for potential activity in the final ten days of the window. Despite the high-profile departures and the recent 3-0 loss in the Community Shield, the manager remains unfazed, insisting he is not worried about the current composition of his side. The report also notes that “When the player wants to leave, then it is complicated to convince them to stay,” Maresca told reporters on Friday. The report also notes that “It happened with Rodri and the same thing is happening with Savinho. The report also notes that so now we are waiting, since day one he has come in and said he wanted to leave. The report also notes that so we will see what happens.”, he is different to Savinho. The report also notes that “Unless Rodri, the rest all have in common one thing, they didn’t play a lot,” he said. The report also notes that since day one we have been working with the club and many things can happen in the last 10 days of the transfer window,” Maresca said. The report also notes that “We know exactly what we need and then we will see over the next 10 days.”.
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