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Enzo Maresca reveals Manchester City’s Premier League ambitions as post-Pep reign begins
02nd August, 2026 03:41 PM
Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that the club is eyeing the English Premier League title in his first full season at the helm. Maresca was appointed Manchester City head coach on June 29, 2026, succeeding Pep Guardiola, who stepped down after a glittering 10-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
While acknowledging that it is early to rate their title chances, he admitted that the side, runners-up to Arsenal in the 2025/26 season, stands a strong chance with better preparation and improved performances.
Eyes on Premier League
“We want to try our best to win titles this season. The Premier League is one of the titles we are looking to win at the end of the campaign. In terms of a chance, it is too early to talk about it. In the meantime, we are keen to help the players improve day by day, which is important. When you improve players, the team automatically improves, and then in time we can see how that goes,” he said.
Maresca-trophy-laden career
Maresca is no stranger to success. In his first managerial role, Maresca spent the 2020/21 season in charge of Man City’s elite development squad, where he steered them to the Premier League 2 title.
He then led Leicester City to the EFL title in 2024 before taking over at Chelsea later that year. He finished fourth in the Premier League with the Blues in 2024/25 to earn Champions League qualification, as Chelsea also lifted the Conference League and went on to be crowned world champions, winning the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The gaffer got his City reign underway with a mixed start after slumping to a penalty shootout defeat against reigning Italian champions Inter Milan in front of 42,286 fans in Hong Kong on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Divin Mubama opened the scoring for City early on, striking home in the 14th minute to put the Cityzens ahead. Inter got back into the clash through a Benjamin Pavard equaliser before the Cityzens ultimately suffered defeat in post-match penalties.
Despite the setback, Maresca noted plenty of positives to take from their first pre-season encounter.
“Many positive things, especially minutes for the legs, which at this moment are important. In two weeks we have the first official game, so it is important to prepare the legs and body,” he noted.
“I am happy with the performance—always there are things we can do better, and we will improve for sure,” he told the club’s portal.
Manchester City’s first taste of the Premier League title chase will kick off on Saturday, August 23, 2026, with a home clash against AFC Bournemouth.
