2 months ago
When the Manchester City starting lineup was announced prior to City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday, it did appear that Nico O'Reilly, Rico Lewis, and Elliot Anderson would form City's midfield. However, that was not the case. Rico Lewis lined up at right-back, with Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol starting in defence. Elliot Anderson, Nico O'Reilly, and Marc Guehi formed Manchester City's midfield. A criticism of Manchester City's play in the four preseason matches they played before yesterday's match was how open their midfield was. By starting Guehi and Anderson together, Enzo Maresca addressed this issue. Guehi put in a strong display in midfield, which fully justified Maresca's decision to play Guehi in City's engine room.
Manchester City have one of the elite centre-backs in the Premier League in Marc Guehi. Guehi has quickly established himself as an important player for his team since signing for the club from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Yesterday he once again showed his importance to Enzo Maresca's side, albeit in a completely different role.
Marc Guehi played in midfield yesterday. To his credit, he looked right at home in his new role. Guehi was good on possession, and he did get himself in the right positions out of possession. Typically, when a centre-back plays in midfield, they look clunky. Guehi was the exact opposite yesterday. He was integral to City's possession dominance, and his pairing with Elliot Anderson and then Mateo Kovacic was crucial to City's win.
Marc Guehi was a threat going forward at times yesterday, especially in the second half. He should have scored just after halftime when he missed a header from two yards out five minutes after halftime. Guehi did create one great opportunity for Erling Haaland in the 75th minute as he showed that he knew when to get forward. Eventually, Guehi got his goal in the 84th minute when he headed home a Rayan Cherki corner.
Come the final whistle, Geuhi had put in an brilliant all-around display in midfield and he fully vindicated Maresca's decision to start him in midfield.
#manchester
Manchester City have one of the elite centre-backs in the Premier League in Marc Guehi. Guehi has quickly established himself as an important player for his team since signing for the club from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Yesterday he once again showed his importance to Enzo Maresca's side, albeit in a completely different role.
Marc Guehi played in midfield yesterday. To his credit, he looked right at home in his new role. Guehi was good on possession, and he did get himself in the right positions out of possession. Typically, when a centre-back plays in midfield, they look clunky. Guehi was the exact opposite yesterday. He was integral to City's possession dominance, and his pairing with Elliot Anderson and then Mateo Kovacic was crucial to City's win.
Marc Guehi was a threat going forward at times yesterday, especially in the second half. He should have scored just after halftime when he missed a header from two yards out five minutes after halftime. Guehi did create one great opportunity for Erling Haaland in the 75th minute as he showed that he knew when to get forward. Eventually, Guehi got his goal in the 84th minute when he headed home a Rayan Cherki corner.
Come the final whistle, Geuhi had put in an brilliant all-around display in midfield and he fully vindicated Maresca's decision to start him in midfield.
#manchester
2 months ago
Manchester City left it late to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign in the right fashion. Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead in the 26th minute. Enzo Maresca's side squandered several gilt-edged chances before they finally found their equalizer through Marc Guehi in the 84th minute. Josko Gvardiol scored the winner in the 91st minute. Rayan Cherki set up both of City's late goals. When Manchester City needed more creativity and someone to unlock Bournemouth's defence, it was Cherki who provided his team with the inspiration that they needed.
Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic replaced Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson in the 63rd minute of yesterday's match. Manchester City needed a creative spark to find an equalizer despite the fact that they had squandered a host of great chances up until that point in the match.
After coming off the bench, Rayan Cherki immediately provided Enzo Maresca's side with the creative spark that they needed to go up a gear and beat Bournemouth. He created four chances and gave his team the creative spark that they desperately needed.
It was Cherki who set up both of Manchester City's late goals. Cherki's inch-perfect delivery from the corner that Marc Guehi headed home to make it 1-1 was the first. Rayan Cherki delivered an exquisite corner from the right with his left foot that Marc Guehi headed home to equalize for City. In the 91st minute, it was Cherki's close control, neat footwork and supreme vision that set up Josko Gvardiol's late winner.
Enzo Maresca turned to Rayan Cherki to give his team the creative lift they needed. The French international did exactly that. Alongside Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, Enzo Maresca's substitutions were bang on yesterday and helped his team claim the three points they so desperately wanted.
#cherki #manchester #late
Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic replaced Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson in the 63rd minute of yesterday's match. Manchester City needed a creative spark to find an equalizer despite the fact that they had squandered a host of great chances up until that point in the match.
After coming off the bench, Rayan Cherki immediately provided Enzo Maresca's side with the creative spark that they needed to go up a gear and beat Bournemouth. He created four chances and gave his team the creative spark that they desperately needed.
It was Cherki who set up both of Manchester City's late goals. Cherki's inch-perfect delivery from the corner that Marc Guehi headed home to make it 1-1 was the first. Rayan Cherki delivered an exquisite corner from the right with his left foot that Marc Guehi headed home to equalize for City. In the 91st minute, it was Cherki's close control, neat footwork and supreme vision that set up Josko Gvardiol's late winner.
Enzo Maresca turned to Rayan Cherki to give his team the creative lift they needed. The French international did exactly that. Alongside Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, Enzo Maresca's substitutions were bang on yesterday and helped his team claim the three points they so desperately wanted.
#cherki #manchester #late
2 months ago
Manchester City rescued a late win at the Etihad this afternoon, coming from behind to score an 85th-minute equaliser and a 92nd-minute winner to ****** all three points.
Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring for Bournemouth before the half-hour mark, when he found himself in plenty of ****** e in the area before firing home.
Marc Guéhi headed home the leveller for City late in the day, making up for a guilt-edged miss earlier in the match. However, the real headlines were written by Josko Gvardiol, who broke free in the box in injury time and slotted into the bottom corner to win the match for City.
Enzo Maresca made two changes to his starting XI this afternoon, following his side's 3-0 defeat to ****** nal in the Community Shield last weekend. Those changes saw Rico Lewis and Guéhi replace Jérémy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, whilst a new-look Erling Haaland made a landmark 200th appearance for The Citizens.
Meanwhile, Marco Rose's first Bournemouth side featured plenty of familiar faces, with António Silva the only Summer arrival in from the off.
#bournemouth #late #minute #made
Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring for Bournemouth before the half-hour mark, when he found himself in plenty of ****** e in the area before firing home.
Marc Guéhi headed home the leveller for City late in the day, making up for a guilt-edged miss earlier in the match. However, the real headlines were written by Josko Gvardiol, who broke free in the box in injury time and slotted into the bottom corner to win the match for City.
Enzo Maresca made two changes to his starting XI this afternoon, following his side's 3-0 defeat to ****** nal in the Community Shield last weekend. Those changes saw Rico Lewis and Guéhi replace Jérémy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, whilst a new-look Erling Haaland made a landmark 200th appearance for The Citizens.
Meanwhile, Marco Rose's first Bournemouth side featured plenty of familiar faces, with António Silva the only Summer arrival in from the off.
#bournemouth #late #minute #made
2 months ago
Manchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Enzo Maresca's first competitive Premier League match in charge of the club.
Maresca succeeds Pep Guardiola after a decade in which City won six league **** les and the Champions League. The Community Shield defeat to **** nal was a difficult beginning, and Sunday offers the first opportunity to put that result behind him.
Jeremy Doku will not feature. The Belgian winger aggravated a calf issue during the Community Shield defeat and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho is also unavailable, with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the works, and Omar Marmoush is expected to be in the same position should his own move to north London be finalised in time. Matheus Nunes is back in contention after sitting out the Community Shield with a minor muscle problem and could replace Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back.
With Doku sidelined, Maresca is expected to turn to Jack Grealish on the left flank, a role he filled after coming on in the Community Shield. Antoine **** yo, who joined from Bournemouth in January, operates on the opposite side, with Phil Foden retained centrally behind Erling Haaland. Elliot Anderson, a big-money summer signing, continues to partner Mateo Kovačić in central midfield as City look to bed in one of their most significant additions.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League opening weekends and 22 in just 14 appearances during the month of August throughout his career, giving City's attack a reliable focal point regardless of the upheaval elsewhere. Gianluigi Donnarumma continues in goal behind a back four of Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly.
#community #league #city
Maresca succeeds Pep Guardiola after a decade in which City won six league **** les and the Champions League. The Community Shield defeat to **** nal was a difficult beginning, and Sunday offers the first opportunity to put that result behind him.
Jeremy Doku will not feature. The Belgian winger aggravated a calf issue during the Community Shield defeat and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho is also unavailable, with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the works, and Omar Marmoush is expected to be in the same position should his own move to north London be finalised in time. Matheus Nunes is back in contention after sitting out the Community Shield with a minor muscle problem and could replace Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back.
With Doku sidelined, Maresca is expected to turn to Jack Grealish on the left flank, a role he filled after coming on in the Community Shield. Antoine **** yo, who joined from Bournemouth in January, operates on the opposite side, with Phil Foden retained centrally behind Erling Haaland. Elliot Anderson, a big-money summer signing, continues to partner Mateo Kovačić in central midfield as City look to bed in one of their most significant additions.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League opening weekends and 22 in just 14 appearances during the month of August throughout his career, giving City's attack a reliable focal point regardless of the upheaval elsewhere. Gianluigi Donnarumma continues in goal behind a back four of Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly.
#community #league #city
2 months ago
As of right now, Manchester City are short of midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season getting under way this weekend. Looking at Enzo Maresca's squad, there is Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Nico O'Reilly, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki who will form City's midfield against Bournemouth. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left earlier this week, and Bernardo Silva departed when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. It has now been revealed that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City. If that report is correct, yet another midfield option could leave Enzo Maresca's squad.
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.
#city #manchester #midfield #season
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.
#city #manchester #midfield #season
2 months ago
If Enzo Maresca decides to use Elliot Anderson as a number six in midfield, Manchester City will need to find players who can combine well with the strengths of the England international. Currently, City have Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, and Nico Gonzalez as recognised midfielders who could form a double pivot in midfield in their squad. Perhaps, Nico O'Reilly and Rico Lewis could also slot into this role. Manchester City are bidding to bolster their midfield this summer. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has now been named as a midfielder that City could potentially bid to sign. The strengths of Adam Wharton do look suited to playing in an Enzo Maresca side and alongside Elliot Anderson.
Two reports have named Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a potential target for Manchester City. First, Jack Rosser has reported for The Sun that the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders could consider a move for Adam Wharton. It is reported that Crystal Palace's price tag to sell Wharton is unknown. Rosser indicates that perhaps a package of up to £100 million could be Palace's asking price for the England international.
Ben Ransom has reported for Sky Sports that Adam Wharton wasn't included on a list of Manchester City's transfer targets for this summer but that stance has now softened, Ransom adds. Furthermore, Ransom reports that the expectation is that City will make a move to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. However, City's change in stance over a possible move for Adam Wharton shows that they could be moving onto other midfield targets.
If Manchester City want a midfielder who can possess a wide and elite range of passing alongside Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton could be that player. Wharton is blessed with elite vision with the ball and he scans the pitch exceptionally well before receiving possession. He can also make every pass in the book. Wharton can break open a game in an instant with his wand of a left foot. His ability to break the lines with a decisive ball is almost second to none in English football.
The fact that Wharton can do this with a first time ball or after one or two touches after receiving the ball could be ideally suited to an Enzo Maresca side. Maresca wants to play a possession-based style of football with the ability to play at a quicker tempo when required. Adam Wharton would fulfil this demand. Also, getting the ball out wide or in behind for Haaland is a key to Manchester City's attack. Wharton would also be perfect for this style of play.
#enzo #midfielder #ball #elliot
Two reports have named Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a potential target for Manchester City. First, Jack Rosser has reported for The Sun that the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders could consider a move for Adam Wharton. It is reported that Crystal Palace's price tag to sell Wharton is unknown. Rosser indicates that perhaps a package of up to £100 million could be Palace's asking price for the England international.
Ben Ransom has reported for Sky Sports that Adam Wharton wasn't included on a list of Manchester City's transfer targets for this summer but that stance has now softened, Ransom adds. Furthermore, Ransom reports that the expectation is that City will make a move to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. However, City's change in stance over a possible move for Adam Wharton shows that they could be moving onto other midfield targets.
If Manchester City want a midfielder who can possess a wide and elite range of passing alongside Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton could be that player. Wharton is blessed with elite vision with the ball and he scans the pitch exceptionally well before receiving possession. He can also make every pass in the book. Wharton can break open a game in an instant with his wand of a left foot. His ability to break the lines with a decisive ball is almost second to none in English football.
The fact that Wharton can do this with a first time ball or after one or two touches after receiving the ball could be ideally suited to an Enzo Maresca side. Maresca wants to play a possession-based style of football with the ability to play at a quicker tempo when required. Adam Wharton would fulfil this demand. Also, getting the ball out wide or in behind for Haaland is a key to Manchester City's attack. Wharton would also be perfect for this style of play.
#enzo #midfielder #ball #elliot
2 months ago
Hardly anything went right for Manchester City yesterday as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by ***** nal in the FA Community Shield. Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard saw Enzo Maresca's side well beaten at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Looking at the match and how it transpired, there is one area of the pitch that City must strengthen before the transfer window closes. That is the midfield. It looks like Manchester City are about to step up the process of fortifying their engine room. It is exactly what must be done to help give Enzo Maresca the midfielders he needs to fully implement his system.
Enzo Maresca started Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield yesterday against ***** nal. Anderson made his City debut, Mateo Kovacic played in a role that he isn't ideally suited to and Phil Foden started as the number ten. Manchester City weren't necessarily swamped in midfield by Mikel Arteta's side. What stood out was how disjointed Enzo Maresca's side were and how easy they were to play through in the opening half-hour of the game.
Elliot Anderson was by no means poor in his City debut. He did put himself about in the hour he was on the pitch. Anderson also needs time to grow into life as a Manchester City player. Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden had moments but overall the necessary quality wasn't there in the engine room for Manchester City. The midfield trio that Maresca opted to start with played like a lineup that had never played together before, and they were. But there is a desperate need for City to add the quality they need to fortify their midfield.
Rodri won't be a part of the solution to Manchester City's midfield issue. Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that he is on the verge of completing a move to Barcelona. Rodri's departure, alongside that of Tijjani Reijnders opens up ***** e in Manchester City's midfield. It must be filled with quality players. Now, City must shop from the top shelf to bolster their midfield. They have done this when they signed Elliot Anderson. Now they need more quality in midfield to add the options that Enzo Maresca needs.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was asked about Manchester City's prospects of completing a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Maresca reminded everyone that Bouaddi remains a Lille player, but he added that the sooner that City complete any new signings the better. He explained: "He's still a Lille player, but any new signings, any new players, for sure the sooner they arrive it's better because we're going to start the Premier League in one week. And if they start to work with us as soon as possible, it's better because they can also understand the way we want to play."
#city
Enzo Maresca started Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield yesterday against ***** nal. Anderson made his City debut, Mateo Kovacic played in a role that he isn't ideally suited to and Phil Foden started as the number ten. Manchester City weren't necessarily swamped in midfield by Mikel Arteta's side. What stood out was how disjointed Enzo Maresca's side were and how easy they were to play through in the opening half-hour of the game.
Elliot Anderson was by no means poor in his City debut. He did put himself about in the hour he was on the pitch. Anderson also needs time to grow into life as a Manchester City player. Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden had moments but overall the necessary quality wasn't there in the engine room for Manchester City. The midfield trio that Maresca opted to start with played like a lineup that had never played together before, and they were. But there is a desperate need for City to add the quality they need to fortify their midfield.
Rodri won't be a part of the solution to Manchester City's midfield issue. Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that he is on the verge of completing a move to Barcelona. Rodri's departure, alongside that of Tijjani Reijnders opens up ***** e in Manchester City's midfield. It must be filled with quality players. Now, City must shop from the top shelf to bolster their midfield. They have done this when they signed Elliot Anderson. Now they need more quality in midfield to add the options that Enzo Maresca needs.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was asked about Manchester City's prospects of completing a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Maresca reminded everyone that Bouaddi remains a Lille player, but he added that the sooner that City complete any new signings the better. He explained: "He's still a Lille player, but any new signings, any new players, for sure the sooner they arrive it's better because we're going to start the Premier League in one week. And if they start to work with us as soon as possible, it's better because they can also understand the way we want to play."
#city
2 months ago
Jack Buchanan, Chief EFL Editor
Team news is in for this afternoon's FA Community Shield in Cardiff, with the headline news being that both Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson are in the starting XI for Manchester City.
Arsenal also named a full-strength starting side, featuring Gabriel as well as Summer signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis.
Raya, White, Gabriel, Mosquera, Caliafori, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes, Odegaard, Madueke, Tzolis, Madueke. Subsititues: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Rice, Eze, Dowman, Saka, Gyökeres.
Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Kovačic, Anderson, ****** yo, Foden, Doku, Haaland. Substitutes: Rulli, Guéhi, Marmoush, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Aït-Nouri, Nunes, Lewis.
#anderson
Team news is in for this afternoon's FA Community Shield in Cardiff, with the headline news being that both Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson are in the starting XI for Manchester City.
Arsenal also named a full-strength starting side, featuring Gabriel as well as Summer signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis.
Raya, White, Gabriel, Mosquera, Caliafori, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes, Odegaard, Madueke, Tzolis, Madueke. Subsititues: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Rice, Eze, Dowman, Saka, Gyökeres.
Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Kovačic, Anderson, ****** yo, Foden, Doku, Haaland. Substitutes: Rulli, Guéhi, Marmoush, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Aït-Nouri, Nunes, Lewis.
#anderson
3 months ago
Manchester City have confirmed their starting lineup ahead fo today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea. Enzo Maresca lost on penalties to Inter Milan in their first friendly of their preseason tour of Asia. The match finished 1-1 and City showed a lot at the Kai Tak Stadium, especially in the second half. They will be looking to build on that performance today in Seoul.
Unfortunately, Ryan McAidoo has been ruled out of today's match due to a shoulder injury. Enzo Maresca informed the media yesterday that McAidoo's injury isn't serious or a cause for concern. Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, and Omar Marmoush are all available for today's match against the K-League All-Stars. The trio missed Manchester City's first preseason friendly when they linked up with Enzo Maresca's squad after their World Cup commitments.
Enzo Maresca has selected a strong starting eleven for today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars. The Manchester City starting lineup is almost as strong as Enzo Maresca can select from the players he had available. There were two changes made to the starting eleven from the Inter Milan match with Ruben Dias and Rayan Ait-Nouri replacing Stephen Mfuni and Savinho.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias (C), Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Antoine ****** yo, Phil Foden, Divin Mubama.
Bettinelli, Wint, Chabot, Marmoush, Nico, Reis, Savinho, Nunes, Echeverri, Monga, Braithwaite, Mukasa, Alleyne, Sangare, F. Samba, Heskey, Henderson-Hall, Mfuni, Parker.
#enzo #maresca #stars
Unfortunately, Ryan McAidoo has been ruled out of today's match due to a shoulder injury. Enzo Maresca informed the media yesterday that McAidoo's injury isn't serious or a cause for concern. Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, and Omar Marmoush are all available for today's match against the K-League All-Stars. The trio missed Manchester City's first preseason friendly when they linked up with Enzo Maresca's squad after their World Cup commitments.
Enzo Maresca has selected a strong starting eleven for today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars. The Manchester City starting lineup is almost as strong as Enzo Maresca can select from the players he had available. There were two changes made to the starting eleven from the Inter Milan match with Ruben Dias and Rayan Ait-Nouri replacing Stephen Mfuni and Savinho.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias (C), Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Antoine ****** yo, Phil Foden, Divin Mubama.
Bettinelli, Wint, Chabot, Marmoush, Nico, Reis, Savinho, Nunes, Echeverri, Monga, Braithwaite, Mukasa, Alleyne, Sangare, F. Samba, Heskey, Henderson-Hall, Mfuni, Parker.
#enzo #maresca #stars
3 months ago
Manchester City have embarked on a rebuild of their midfield this summer. So far, Elliot Anderson has joined the club from Nottingham Forest. Anderson figures to be a prominent player for Enzo Maresca's side. Watching Manchester City's midfield perform in the first half of their first preseason friendly against Inter Milan, you could see what role Anderson will play in Manchester City's midfield. However, Manchester City's midfield rebuild isn't yet complete. It was easy to see why City are so keen to further bolster their midfield based on how the first half unfolded in their 1-1 draw and subsequent penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan.
Enzo Maresca started Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield against Inter Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. None of those three players are what you would term a number six or a defensive midfielder. Foden played an advanced role in midfield and helped Manchester City's four-man high press. Reijnders and Kovacic were tasked with shielding City's backline.
This duo had mixed results in this role. On occasions, especially in the game's first half-hour, Inter did have success playing through Manchester City's high press and they also succeeded in bypassing Manchester City's midfield. Kovacic and Reijnders are not suited to the role they were tasked with fulfilling against Inter. It isn't their strong suits. Reijnders is suited to getting forward from midfield and Kovacic is a number eight who does his best work with a player like Rodri behind him.
The answer as to why Manchester City want to bolster their midfield was evident in the first half against Inter Milan. You could picture Elliot Anderson and Rodri playing the roles that Reijnders and Kovacic were asked to play, provided of course that Rodri doesn't leave City this summer. Also, the Ayyoub Bouaddi links make sense as he could also fill the same role. This was clear to see in the opening 45 minutes at the Kai Tak Stadium.
At halftime of Saturday's friendly, Enzo Maresca brought on Nico Gonzalez and moved Rico Lewis from right-back into midfield. Inter Milan also made a series of substitutions at halftime of the friendly in Hong Kong which did alter the match. However, it was impossible to ignore how much better City looked with Nico Gonzalez playing his familiar holding role in midfield. He had Rico Lewis for support with Rayan Ait-Nouri inverting from left-back and at times Vitor Reis stepped into midfield. This system gave City the control they need and also showed why City are so eager to rebuild their midfield this summer.
#kovacic #role #anderson
Enzo Maresca started Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield against Inter Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. None of those three players are what you would term a number six or a defensive midfielder. Foden played an advanced role in midfield and helped Manchester City's four-man high press. Reijnders and Kovacic were tasked with shielding City's backline.
This duo had mixed results in this role. On occasions, especially in the game's first half-hour, Inter did have success playing through Manchester City's high press and they also succeeded in bypassing Manchester City's midfield. Kovacic and Reijnders are not suited to the role they were tasked with fulfilling against Inter. It isn't their strong suits. Reijnders is suited to getting forward from midfield and Kovacic is a number eight who does his best work with a player like Rodri behind him.
The answer as to why Manchester City want to bolster their midfield was evident in the first half against Inter Milan. You could picture Elliot Anderson and Rodri playing the roles that Reijnders and Kovacic were asked to play, provided of course that Rodri doesn't leave City this summer. Also, the Ayyoub Bouaddi links make sense as he could also fill the same role. This was clear to see in the opening 45 minutes at the Kai Tak Stadium.
At halftime of Saturday's friendly, Enzo Maresca brought on Nico Gonzalez and moved Rico Lewis from right-back into midfield. Inter Milan also made a series of substitutions at halftime of the friendly in Hong Kong which did alter the match. However, it was impossible to ignore how much better City looked with Nico Gonzalez playing his familiar holding role in midfield. He had Rico Lewis for support with Rayan Ait-Nouri inverting from left-back and at times Vitor Reis stepped into midfield. This system gave City the control they need and also showed why City are so eager to rebuild their midfield this summer.
#kovacic #role #anderson
3 months ago
Mateo Kovačić has not forgotten Inter, and speculation over a return to San Siro has been rekindled after the Croatian caught up with old friends during Manchester City's visit to face the Nerazzurri.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the contact came on the fringes of the two sides' pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
Inter themselves posted a video on social media showing the 32-year-old deep in conversation with compatriot Petar Sučić and warmly greeting the likes of Federico Dimarco and ****** istant coach Aleksandar Kolarov, a reunion that has only fuelled talk of a possible homecoming.
(From L) Italy's midfielder #18 Nicolo Barella and Croatia's midfielder #08 Mateo Kovacic collide during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Those whispers are not new. In recent weeks it emerged that Kovačić's entourage had offered him to the Inter hierarchy, who made clear that departures would be required before any deal could be considered.
#midfielder #croatian
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the contact came on the fringes of the two sides' pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
Inter themselves posted a video on social media showing the 32-year-old deep in conversation with compatriot Petar Sučić and warmly greeting the likes of Federico Dimarco and ****** istant coach Aleksandar Kolarov, a reunion that has only fuelled talk of a possible homecoming.
(From L) Italy's midfielder #18 Nicolo Barella and Croatia's midfielder #08 Mateo Kovacic collide during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Those whispers are not new. In recent weeks it emerged that Kovačić's entourage had offered him to the Inter hierarchy, who made clear that departures would be required before any deal could be considered.
#midfielder #croatian
3 months ago
As Manchester City ramp up their preparations for the 2026-27 season in Asia, it remains to be seen what changes Enzo Maresca will implement that differ from Pep Guardiola. The principles of possession football will remain at City despite Maresca replacing Guardiola in the dugout. What was worth keeping an eye out during Manchester City's first preseason friendly against Inter Milan was whether any of Enzo Maresca's tactical adjustments could be seen. Come the final whistle of Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Inter Milan and subsequent penalty shootout defeat, the answer was clear. Yes, the tactical tweaks by Maresca were evident, especially in the second half at the Kai Tak Stadium.
Manchester City made a bright start in the first half against Inter Milan. Antoine ****** yo was wreaked havoc on the left wing. It was ****** yo who created Manchester City's first goal when he surged down the left to the byline to play the ball back for Divin Mubama to open the scoring in the 14th minute.
While City took the early lead, Inter Milan did look dangerous on the break at the Kai Tak Stadium. Enzo Maresca's side employed a high four-man press which did disrupt Inter's buildup play. However, when Inter did play through the press they did have ****** e to drive at Manchester City's defence. Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic were tasked with playing in midfield to shield City's backline. It isn't a role that either player is particularly suited to which was impossible to ignore. Speaking after the match, Maresca said: "We struggled a bit in the first-half and we know the reason why, but we were much better in the second-half. We will get better and better."
You do wonder if Maresca's comments were about how Manchester City's midfield was bypassed in the opening half-hour of yesterday's match.
Also, Rico Lewis and Stephen Mfuni were caught out by Inter Milan's overlapping wing-backs and by the flighted ball from midfield to either flank. Enzo Maresca wants one, or both, of his full-backs to invert into midfield and this was exploited by Inter Milan in the opening 45 minutes.
#Inter #maresca #half
Manchester City made a bright start in the first half against Inter Milan. Antoine ****** yo was wreaked havoc on the left wing. It was ****** yo who created Manchester City's first goal when he surged down the left to the byline to play the ball back for Divin Mubama to open the scoring in the 14th minute.
While City took the early lead, Inter Milan did look dangerous on the break at the Kai Tak Stadium. Enzo Maresca's side employed a high four-man press which did disrupt Inter's buildup play. However, when Inter did play through the press they did have ****** e to drive at Manchester City's defence. Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic were tasked with playing in midfield to shield City's backline. It isn't a role that either player is particularly suited to which was impossible to ignore. Speaking after the match, Maresca said: "We struggled a bit in the first-half and we know the reason why, but we were much better in the second-half. We will get better and better."
You do wonder if Maresca's comments were about how Manchester City's midfield was bypassed in the opening half-hour of yesterday's match.
Also, Rico Lewis and Stephen Mfuni were caught out by Inter Milan's overlapping wing-backs and by the flighted ball from midfield to either flank. Enzo Maresca wants one, or both, of his full-backs to invert into midfield and this was exploited by Inter Milan in the opening 45 minutes.
#Inter #maresca #half
3 months ago
Enzo Maresca says he will give his all to help duo Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish – while they are still at the club.
Kovacic played against his former club Inter Milan as City suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat following a 1-1 draw against the Italian side in Hong Kong.
But the Croatian is another who could depart the club this summer, and asked about his situation, Maresca said: "Mateo is our player, so the days he's here I will try my best because I think it's my duty to try to help players to give their best.
"So if Mateo is here, I'm happy and we're going to continue to work with him."
Stay up to date with all the latest Manchester City news by joining our Man City WhatsApp channel.
#Help #here #best
Kovacic played against his former club Inter Milan as City suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat following a 1-1 draw against the Italian side in Hong Kong.
But the Croatian is another who could depart the club this summer, and asked about his situation, Maresca said: "Mateo is our player, so the days he's here I will try my best because I think it's my duty to try to help players to give their best.
"So if Mateo is here, I'm happy and we're going to continue to work with him."
Stay up to date with all the latest Manchester City news by joining our Man City WhatsApp channel.
#Help #here #best
3 months ago
A member of the midfield ranks at La Liga champions Barcelona has made his way firmly onto the transfer radar of Premier League giants Manchester City.
The Blaugrana star in question? Marc Bernal.
Man City, for their part, are currently working on something of a revolution in the club's engine room ranks. Both Mateo Kovačić and Nico González are understood to have been placed on the market, with World Cup winner Rodri also being heavily linked with a potential Real Madrid switch.
Those in a position of power at The Etihad are therefore on the hunt for reinforcements with a view to next season.
And as alluded to above, amid this ongoing search, the gaze of those in the boardroom on the blue half of Manchester has this week turned towards Barcelona.
#ranks #liga #bernal
The Blaugrana star in question? Marc Bernal.
Man City, for their part, are currently working on something of a revolution in the club's engine room ranks. Both Mateo Kovačić and Nico González are understood to have been placed on the market, with World Cup winner Rodri also being heavily linked with a potential Real Madrid switch.
Those in a position of power at The Etihad are therefore on the hunt for reinforcements with a view to next season.
And as alluded to above, amid this ongoing search, the gaze of those in the boardroom on the blue half of Manchester has this week turned towards Barcelona.
#ranks #liga #bernal
4 months ago
Manchester City are not drifting through this summer, they are remaking themselves. That is the clear takeaway from the latest The Athletic DealSheet, and when you strip out the noise from the rest of the market, the City picture is sharp enough. Players are arriving, several more could leave, and the squad that starts 2026-27 may look very different from the one that ended the last campaign.
That matters because this is not a routine refresh. It is a squad management exercise with teeth. Bernardo Silva has gone. John Stones has gone. Nathan Ake is heading to Fenerbahce. Mateo Kovacic is “also considered likely to leave”. There are doubts over others too, from James Trafford to Savinho, from Nico Gonzalez to Omar Marmoush. Even Rodri, one of the few names you would normally pencil in without thinking, comes with uncertainty after The Athletic reported that he “has not yet signed a new deal and may not sign one at all”.
When turnover reaches that level, every incoming matters more. Every missed target matters too. And every line about squad planning deserves to be read carefully, because City are balancing short-term needs with the usual long-term instincts that have shaped their recruitment for years.
The headline move is Elliott Anderson. The report states that “Elliot Anderson’s move from Nottingham Forest was announced”, with fuller club content to follow once the 23-year-old returns from England duty. That is a major signing by fee and by implication. Aston Villa’s stance on Morgan Rogers, elsewhere in the same report, frames the scale of it neatly, they would want more than the “British record £116million” City paid for Anderson.
Photo IMAGO
That matters because this is not a routine refresh. It is a squad management exercise with teeth. Bernardo Silva has gone. John Stones has gone. Nathan Ake is heading to Fenerbahce. Mateo Kovacic is “also considered likely to leave”. There are doubts over others too, from James Trafford to Savinho, from Nico Gonzalez to Omar Marmoush. Even Rodri, one of the few names you would normally pencil in without thinking, comes with uncertainty after The Athletic reported that he “has not yet signed a new deal and may not sign one at all”.
When turnover reaches that level, every incoming matters more. Every missed target matters too. And every line about squad planning deserves to be read carefully, because City are balancing short-term needs with the usual long-term instincts that have shaped their recruitment for years.
The headline move is Elliott Anderson. The report states that “Elliot Anderson’s move from Nottingham Forest was announced”, with fuller club content to follow once the 23-year-old returns from England duty. That is a major signing by fee and by implication. Aston Villa’s stance on Morgan Rogers, elsewhere in the same report, frames the scale of it neatly, they would want more than the “British record £116million” City paid for Anderson.
Photo IMAGO
4 months ago
Mateo Kovacic could become the next high-profile player to leave Manchester City this summer
Croatia star and four-time UEFA Champions League winner reportedly free to find new club
More midfielders could follow club record signing Elliott Anderson to compete for playing time
Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been told he is free to find a new club this summer, according to reports.
The former Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea player was signed by Pep Guardiola in June 2023 for an initial fee of £25m and has gone on to make 97 appearances for the club.
Croatia star and four-time UEFA Champions League winner reportedly free to find new club
More midfielders could follow club record signing Elliott Anderson to compete for playing time
Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been told he is free to find a new club this summer, according to reports.
The former Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea player was signed by Pep Guardiola in June 2023 for an initial fee of £25m and has gone on to make 97 appearances for the club.
4 months ago
Portugal vs. Croatia live score, result, highlights from 2026 World Cup knockout game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Croatia has quietly emerged as a soccer superpower over the past decade, following up its runner-up finish during the 2018 World Cup with a third-place showing in the 2022 edition of the competition.
Four years on, the Checkered Ones' spine remains the same — Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic continue to provide contributions to Zlatko Dalic's bunch, helping the nation of less than 4 million punch above its weight.
They'll get a chance to try their luck against one of Europe's heavyweights on Thursday night, taking on Portugal and its headlining striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Roberto Martinez's side has looked a bit underwhelming thus far, drawing with DR Congo and Colombia. Ronaldo struck twice against Uzbekistan, but he has failed to inspire confidence in international colors as of late — especially when compared to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and others.
Croatia has quietly emerged as a soccer superpower over the past decade, following up its runner-up finish during the 2018 World Cup with a third-place showing in the 2022 edition of the competition.
Four years on, the Checkered Ones' spine remains the same — Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic continue to provide contributions to Zlatko Dalic's bunch, helping the nation of less than 4 million punch above its weight.
They'll get a chance to try their luck against one of Europe's heavyweights on Thursday night, taking on Portugal and its headlining striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Roberto Martinez's side has looked a bit underwhelming thus far, drawing with DR Congo and Colombia. Ronaldo struck twice against Uzbekistan, but he has failed to inspire confidence in international colors as of late — especially when compared to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and others.
4 months ago
PHILADELPHIA - Age proved to just be a number to Croatia as it continued its World Cup journey with a 2-1 defeat of Ghana on Saturday, June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Nobody typified that more than 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, who spent more than 90 minutes running up and down the pitch in an effort to extend his illustrious World Cup career.
After a loss to England and listless win against Panama, the possibility of elimination was the harsh reality facing Croatia. The European nation with population of 3.9 million has consistently punched above its weight in the biggest tournament in soccer, reaching the final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022.
But a minimum of at least one point against Ghana was required in its final group stage match to ensure passage to the knockout round of 32.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić turned to three of his stalwarts with more than a 100 caps — Luka Modrić (200), Mateo Kovačić (111), Ivan Perišić (156) — and a combined age of 109 to shoulder much of the responsibility.
Nobody typified that more than 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, who spent more than 90 minutes running up and down the pitch in an effort to extend his illustrious World Cup career.
After a loss to England and listless win against Panama, the possibility of elimination was the harsh reality facing Croatia. The European nation with population of 3.9 million has consistently punched above its weight in the biggest tournament in soccer, reaching the final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022.
But a minimum of at least one point against Ghana was required in its final group stage match to ensure passage to the knockout round of 32.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić turned to three of his stalwarts with more than a 100 caps — Luka Modrić (200), Mateo Kovačić (111), Ivan Perišić (156) — and a combined age of 109 to shoulder much of the responsibility.
5 months ago
The 14th year of the WAGNH Community Ratings is in the books, and the highest rated player throughout the course of the season is thus automatically declared the WAGNH Player of the Year.
Admittedly, this methodology is not without its flaws, but I think there’s some intrinsic value in using the immediate reactions after each match to determine who actually was the best performer across the entire campaign. (Or at least the most consistently good.) Most years (9 of 14, to be exact), the player on top has been the same who also won the public vote for Chelsea Player of the Year. This year is one of the exceptions. (Also, there’s little added value in doing the same exact popularity contest on the blog as is done on the official website.)
So instead of João Pedro, our Player of the Year is none other than Captain Reece James!
I should note that Reecey just barely qualifies. He made 39 appearances (of 59 possible), but started only half of our games. Those numbers probably would’ve been higher had he not missed most of the last two months with injury of course. (It’s a similar situation to 2019-20, when Christian Pulisic was WAGNH Player of the Year despite missing a good chunk of the season; Mateo Kovačić won the official vote.)
I suspect a not insignificant factor in James’ win is just the fact that he largely managed to stay healthy for the first time in years. But his win is also a testament to consistency: he didn’t win the most Man of the Match awards nor did he have the most top-three finishes (João Pedro led both categories). He didn’t earn the highest single-game rating of the season (JP again). But he was below the overall team average for a given game only seven times (of his 39 appearances), and he didn’t get a single rating below 5 at all. And in a season that was defined by inconsistency and some truly wild swings in performance levels (sometimes within just one game, let alone from game-to-game), it was great to see at least one player deliver consistently solid, often good, and occasionally great performances. Hopefully Reecey can build on this season and be able to deliver more often, and at an even higher level going forward (like we know he can).
Admittedly, this methodology is not without its flaws, but I think there’s some intrinsic value in using the immediate reactions after each match to determine who actually was the best performer across the entire campaign. (Or at least the most consistently good.) Most years (9 of 14, to be exact), the player on top has been the same who also won the public vote for Chelsea Player of the Year. This year is one of the exceptions. (Also, there’s little added value in doing the same exact popularity contest on the blog as is done on the official website.)
So instead of João Pedro, our Player of the Year is none other than Captain Reece James!
I should note that Reecey just barely qualifies. He made 39 appearances (of 59 possible), but started only half of our games. Those numbers probably would’ve been higher had he not missed most of the last two months with injury of course. (It’s a similar situation to 2019-20, when Christian Pulisic was WAGNH Player of the Year despite missing a good chunk of the season; Mateo Kovačić won the official vote.)
I suspect a not insignificant factor in James’ win is just the fact that he largely managed to stay healthy for the first time in years. But his win is also a testament to consistency: he didn’t win the most Man of the Match awards nor did he have the most top-three finishes (João Pedro led both categories). He didn’t earn the highest single-game rating of the season (JP again). But he was below the overall team average for a given game only seven times (of his 39 appearances), and he didn’t get a single rating below 5 at all. And in a season that was defined by inconsistency and some truly wild swings in performance levels (sometimes within just one game, let alone from game-to-game), it was great to see at least one player deliver consistently solid, often good, and occasionally great performances. Hopefully Reecey can build on this season and be able to deliver more often, and at an even higher level going forward (like we know he can).
