Can Enzo Maresca match the heights of Guardiola's City achievements?

Manchester City begins the Enzo Maresca era with squad trimming and reinforcements. Can the Italian achieve as much success as his accomplis...

Manchester City begins the Enzo Maresca era with squad trimming and reinforcements. Can the Italian achieve as much success as his accomplished predecessor? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

The big rebuild at Manchester City is underway, with Enzo Maresca settling in and the club hierarchy working on signings for the Italian.

Manchester City already sealed a contract extension deal for Josko Gvardiol; Belgium star Jeremy Doku has signed off on a new deal too, while Uzbekistan talent Abdulkodir Khusanov will be next in line for a contract extension. conversation.

In addition to contract extensions, there are rumors that James Trafford may leave Manchester City for the second time in pursuit of regular playing time. Gigi Donnarumma is the first choice in goal, and the England goalkeeper is attracting interest from across the league; we expect a transfer to happen pretty soon.

For incomings, Elliot Anderson has joined for a club-record fee. We expect the Cityzens to add another midfielder this summer. Manchester City can spend lavishly to address their issues, but Maresca prefers a smaller squad. The midfielders they got in January to salvage their season might be sacrificed if the former champions are to rival Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes.

John Stones must be replaced. Maxence Lacroix is Chelsea-bound; Aston Villa insists on £60m for their 28-year-old Ezri Konsa. Manchester City must look elsewhere for their center-back reinforcements. Can they tempt Bournemouth and Brighton with cheeky offers for their young defenders?

Mattheus Nunes is not a traditional right back. Pep Guardiola squeezed every available drop of juice in the Portuguese as a makeshift fullback, but City must now seek a proper right back ahead of the new season. Tino Livramento is an option, but his injury record is suspect.

Rayan Ait Nouri is yet to explode at Manchester City; this is why Nico O'Rielly has been the mainstay at left back, but the midfielder could well desire to move upfield. Nathan Aké is an option at left back, as well as Rico Lewis; the right side is where City must index.

On the flanks, Savinho is as good as a Tottenham player. Manchester City needs a new winger. Maresca could be interested in tempting Chelsea with an offer for Pedro Neto, whom he worked with at Stamford Bridge, while there could be some gems elsewhere in the league to fill in the gap.

Upfront, the number 9 role belongs to Erling Haaland without question, with Omar Marmoush serving as deputy. Maresca could want to play differently; this is where Phil Foden comes in. The England playmaker was underwhelming last season, which led to him being dropped by Thomas Tuchel for England.

With a new contract agreed, is Foden about to step up for Manchester City? Enzo Maresca is a top coach with huge prospects. The Italian is stepping into the shoes of an accomplished predecessor in Pep Guardiola. Manchester City will support him as they hope to retain the structure that has made them the most successful club in England over the last ten seasons. How will Maresca fare in his first year in charge at City?