Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed confidence in his current squad despite ongoing speculation regarding player departures as the transfer window nears its close. As he prepares for his first Premier League match in charge against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, Maresca acknowledged that the club remains prepared for further movement.
The manager noted that the desire of certain players to leave has complicated squad stability. While Rodri has already departed for Barcelona, winger Savinho is expected to move to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal reportedly worth 85 million pounds ($115 million). This transaction would represent a club-record sale for City, though neither club has officially confirmed the agreement. Additionally, Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush continues to be linked with a potential exit.
Maresca attributed the current turnover to a lack of playing time for several squad members. He emphasized that while he is not worried about the team’s composition, the final ten days of the window could bring further changes. He declined to comment on rumors linking the club to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez or Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, stating it is disrespectful to discuss players under contract with other teams.
Squad Availability and Injury Update
- Jeremy Doku: Ruled out for two to three weeks following 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 season opener.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Match 1: Bournemouth (Home)
- Match 2: Crystal Palace (Away)
- Match 3: Coventry (Home)
- Match 4: Manchester United (Away – Derby)
Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola during the off-season, remains focused on the immediate challenge of the Premier League campaign. He maintains that if given the necessary time to manage the significant changes within the club, he can replicate the success previously established at City. The manager confirmed that he is working closely with club officials to identify necessary reinforcements, though he refrained from disclosing specific targets or the number of potential signings. The report also notes that city host Bournemouth after a 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in last week’s Community Shield. 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.
