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Manchester City appoints Enzo Maresca, splurges £116 m on Anderson

7/24/2026

46 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Maresca Takes Helm

Manchester City appointed Enzo Maresca, 46, as head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Maresca called Guardiola the best coach of the past 20-25 years.
He confirmed Rodri will undergo back surgery on Monday, miss the season start, and dismissed transfer rumours.
City signed Elliot Anderson for £116 million and said James Trafford and Jack Grealish stay for now, with decisions before the 1 September deadline.

Summary

Guardiola Slams Gallagher

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sent a furious message to musician Noel Gallagher after Gallagher said on talkSPORT that City would not win the league.
City sponsor OKX published an interview where Guardiola hinted the squad may be weaker, raising scrutiny on coach Enzo Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana.
Guardiola pledged to stay largely silent, giving private counsel to Maresca to shield the manager’s early decisions from media.

History

Historical Context

When Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and hired José Mourinho in June 2004, he backed the manager with over £70 million in transfers, delivering the club’s first league title in 50 years and 95 points in 2004-05. That billionaire-ownership, heavy-spending model is echoed in Manchester City’s 2024 appointment of Enzo Maresma and its £116 million signings.

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Maresca Takes Helm

Manchester City appointed Enzo Maresca, 46, as head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Maresca called Guardiola the best coach of the past 20-25 years.
He confirmed Rodri will undergo back surgery on Monday, miss the season start, and dismissed transfer rumours.
City signed Elliot Anderson for £116 million and said James Trafford and Jack Grealish stay for now, with decisions before the 1 September deadline.

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