Guardian writers’ predicted position: 2nd (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie Jackson’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Enzo Maresca was already in herculean task mode by signing on as the man charged with continuing the dynasty built by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before Rodri decided to leave the club and join Barcelona. The 30-year-old may be headed for a second Ballon d’Or after his displays in Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign, so the loss of a midfielder capable of moulding games domestically and in the Champions League represents a sizeable blow for Maresca. There are further negatives too, with John Stones, Nathan Aké and Bernardo Silva also no longer at City.
On the positive side, Elliot Anderson has joined for £116m from Nottingham Forest having impressed for England at the World Cup. City’s new manager also has Erling Haaland, who will be favourite to claim a fourth Premier League Golden Boot in five seasons. Less certain is how Phil Foden will perform despite being boosted by a bumper new contract.
Can the boy from Stockport dovetail with Rayan Cherki and once more pull the strings for his boyhood side? City are a best-in-class organisation, who can be used as an exemplar of how to pursue excellence on and off the field. This, of course, would change were they found guilty over the 130 charges brought against them for alleged breaches of Premier League rules.
It has been more than three years since the charges were announced, with City continuing to deny any wrongdoing. The new Pep Guardiola Stand, opened for the great man’s final home game last season, means 61,000 fans can now witness Haaland and co go to work, the Etihad Stadium’s capacity having previously stood at 53,400. Sheikh Mansour is a hero to the City faithful for a glittering period of ownership that has elevated their team to a domestic and continental superpower.
Listening to fans, the club have also frozen ticket prices for a third consecutive season. Meanwhile in the Pep Guardiola Stand, 4,000 new flexi season tickets – a pay-as-you-go scheme – have sold out, half of which are for junior fans, with City introducing £10 seats for those who live in the five wards around the ground. Is Maresca courageous for following The Man or naive for believing he can?
Over to the 46-year-old, who has zero doubt the City job is no chalice laced with poison. How he would love to add the Premier League title to that roll of honour at the first time of asking. Rodri’s departure offers Anderson an opportunity to run City’s midfield.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
