Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has emphasized the need for patience regarding the club’s latest recruit, 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi. Despite arriving from Lille for an initial fee of 100 million euros (£85.6 million, $117 million) on Wednesday, the Moroccan international—who starred during his nation’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals—is still adapting to his new environment.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, Maresca confirmed that while Bouaddi is physically “ready to go” for Friday’s debut against Crystal Palace, the club must manage his development carefully. “He doesn’t look 18, which is important, but we need to go slowly because he is young and has moved to a different country,” the manager explained. He added that it is the collective responsibility of the club to avoid placing excessive pressure on the teenager, noting that he requires time to settle.
Bouaddi’s arrival follows a significant midfield overhaul at the Etihad, which saw the departures of Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez. The squad has also seen the exits of Bernardo Silva and John Stones following the conclusion of Pep Guardiola’s tenure. To bolster the team’s leadership, Maresca is looking to add more experience before the transfer window closes next week, with a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez currently anticipated.
Maresca is also seeking to appoint additional captains to support Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland. “We need to wait four or five more days to see if we can add one or two more captains,” he stated, noting that the team currently possesses experienced leaders.
The manager faces a challenging start to his tenure following a 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal and a narrow 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, which required late goals from defenders Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol. Looking ahead to the upcoming fixture at Selhurst Park, Maresca confirmed that Jeremy Doku remains sidelined with an injury, though Elliot Anderson is available for selection after recovering from the cramp that ended his debut prematurely last weekend. The report also notes that for sure he will help us now and in the future. The report also notes that don’t put pressure on him, he is young and he needs time, it is my job and it’s the club’s job to manage him in the best way. The report also notes that maresca has got off to an unconvincing start to the daunting task of succeeding Guardiola.
