Enzo Maresca's approach to Manchester City's upcoming season was hinted at during their 3-1 friendly victory against a K-League All-Star team in Seoul. The match, played in intense heat, provided an early look at the tactical patterns and team structures Maresca aims to implement in the post-Pep Guardiola era.
Midfield Dynamics and Player Futures
Mareseka's midfield options present an interesting challenge, particularly with Mateo Kovacic's asserted commitment to the club despite external interest. The club is also reportedly progressing in a move for 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and expects the arrival of club-record signing Elliot Anderson ahead of the Community Shield. Kovacic has been deployed in a deep-lying No. 6 role in preseason friendlies, ahead of Nico Gonzalez, who joined the club in January 2025. Sources indicated at the end of last season that the club would consider offers for Gonzalez. Kovacic was substituted at halftime for Gonzalez. Tijjani Reijnders also played over an hour, amid speculation linking him with a move to Nottingham Forest. Reijnders contributed an assist for Rayan Ait-Nouri's opening goal and scored City's second. Maresca commented on Reijnders, stating, "He is here with us. The players that are with us until the day that they aren't with us, it's my duty to do the best for them. I'm happy with his performance and he's working good since he came back from his holiday. At the moment I'm very happy with him." The club faces decisions regarding Reijnders and other players in the coming weeks.
Attacking Structures and Forward Play
Striker Divin Mubama scored his second preseason goal, converting a rebound from a teammate's effort. Mubama, who had a loan spell at Stoke City last season, played a role that offered insight into how Maresca might utilize Erling Haaland. The team pressed with increased intensity, employing a 4-2-4 system with Phil Foden positioned alongside Mubama. Foden was tasked with leading the press, while Mubama dropped into a No. 10 position, influencing the K-League midfield. This setup aimed to provide Foden with more space and freedom to initiate the press. Mubama, who views Maresca's arrival as a "fresh start," is noted for his ability to hunt possession high up the pitch, potentially allowing Haaland to focus on blocking passing lanes.
Winger Options
Jeremy Doku is yet to return to the squad following his international duties. Antoine Semenyo demonstrated a direct style of play that aligns with Maresca's philosophy. Semenyo contributed to two of City's goals, showcasing both ingenuity and power from wide areas. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma conceded an equalizer early in the match from a shot at his near post, an error he will aim to rectify.
