Enzo Maresca is returning for a third stint at Manchester City, having been an academy coach in 2020‑21 and Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022‑23 treble‑winning campaign. He knows the pursuit of silverware but has yet to deliver at such a scale, raising questions about his ability to lead City to glory in 2026‑27.

A kind start has been given to his term, meeting Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City in his first three outings – a generous run to establish rhythm. The squad, built by Pep Guardiola, offers depth and talent that Maresca calls a “dream situation.” He has a strong bond with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, but not the same job security Guardiola enjoyed.

Maresca’s style mirrors Guardiola’s possession‑based, pressing game but is more expansive, favouring a 4‑2‑3‑1 structure and a high‑functioning No10 such as Foden or Cherki. The squad’s average age has been reduced, though leadership gaps remain after the departures of Silva, Stones and De Bruyne.

Key challenges include the looming 115 Premier League charges and media scrutiny. Maresca’s first press conference is set for 24 July, and his success will hinge on delivering trophies or risking a swift exit.