With Manchester City about to start a Premier League campaign without Pep Guardiola in the dugout for the first time in over 10 years, we look at where his replacement, Enzo Maresca, may need reinforcements before 23 August.
Change is afoot on the blue side of Manchester.
The rock of Manchester City’s success, their constant for the previous 10 seasons, Pep Guardiola, has moved on from his role as manager. One of his many protégés, Enzo Maresca, was chosen as his successor.
Maresca inherited a City squad rich in quality but which ultimately came up short in the Premier League last season, as they dropped the joint-fourth-most points from winning positions (20) and gained just five points from losing positions in the league.
Expectations will be high once again, however, with City heading into the 2026-27 Premier League season aiming to at least challenge for the title.
But what areas does director of football Hugo Viana need to improve for them to reclaim their throne as the kings of English football?
Goalkeeper and Defence
City’s goalkeeping stocks last season were excellent.
In Matheus Nunes thrived in his new role on the right of the defence, having more touches than any of his teammates (2,886) and making more tackles than any City player (40). But he can’t play every minute of every game.
His deputy, Nico O’Reilly was excellent in his first full season with the senior team. Something of a unique talent, he combined a positive mentality with his physicality to generate 2.27 expected goals (xG) from headers, the sixth most of any Premier League defender.
He will be backed up by Marc Guéhi and Elliot Anderson. The England international, who joined City for a reported club-record fee of £116 million, won possession on at least 10 occasions in 11 Premier League games last season, more than any other player. He’s sure to replace the steel that Bernardo Silva gave City’s midfield; the Portuguese won possession 146 times in the Premier League last season, second only to Nunes (169 times).
But every other City midfielder has question marks over their head for one reason or another.
Mateo Kovacic missed most of last season due to injuries but still holds value as one of the tidiest midfield players in the top flight. During the 2024-25 campaign, no midfielder who played 1,000+ minutes made more successful passes per 90 than him (71.2); Kovacic also had a passing accuracy of 91.4% in the opposition’s half, ranking fifth among Premier League players to play 1,000+ minutes.
Given Kovacic also offers vast experience, it seems likely he will stick around for another season.
The same cannot be said for Phil Foden, leaving his position at the Etihad in doubt.
Then there are two wildcards to add to the midfield conundrum: O’Reilly and Lewis. O’Reilly came through the City Football Academy playing in a more central role, and Lewis was deployed in midfield by Guardiola at times. Perhaps one of them could fill this squad gap.
City’s midfield is the area where Viana may have to take a risk. They have many players who could perform well this season, but they could do with another option in case these players all flatter to deceive.
Attacking Midfield
The quality among the current regular starters in attacking midfield and out wide is clear to see, but strength in depth is arguably lacking.
Antoine Semenyo showed promise, ending the season as City’s joint-second-highest Premier League scorer alongside Foden (seven goals).
Speaking of, City’s number 47 could be rejuvenated in 2026-27. Having recently extended his contract until 2030, Maresca’s arrival may help him recapture the form he showed during he 2023-24 season, when he scored 27 goals in all competitions. Foden could be utilised on the flanks but will be eager to push past Cherki as City’s first-choice number 10.
Behind that quartet, however, City are lacking.
Erling Haaland is fit, he plays. It’s really that simple.
The big Norwegian registered 1.06 goal contributions per 90 in the Premier League last season, by far the best of any player (1,000+ mins) in England’s top flight. Haaland’s 35 combined goals and assists in the league also ranked him second across Europe’s top five leagues.
Unlike Haaland, City’s other striker,
Hence then, the article about man city 2026 27 squad audit where does enzo maresca need reinforcements was published today ( ) and is available on The Analyst ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Man City 2026-27 Squad Audit: Where Does Enzo Maresca Need Reinforcements? )
Also on site :
- Marc Blumberg Arrested for Lewd Acts on a Child While Working at Moorpark Equestrian Facility; Additional Survivors Expected
- '70s Rock Legend, 76, Releases 'Beautiful' New Single Fans Are Calling a 'Magnificent Piece of Music'
- Ben Affleck & Jeopardy! Star Jamie Ding Take Home $1 Million on 'Millionaire' After a Surprise Assist on the Final Answer