Maresca: Community Shield Loss Won't Change Our Transfer Plans

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated that his team's defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield will not alter the club's transfer plans this summer. The Italian endured a tough debut at the helm of City, as his side was comprehensively beaten 3-0 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Ricardo Calafiori opened the scoring just 24 seconds in, and Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal's lead before halftime. Martin Ødegaard effectively sealed the match in the 47th minute with a well-taken goal.

Despite the club's record signing, Elliott Anderson, starting, City were easily outplayed in midfield and struggled to cope with the dynamism of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimarães.

The Citizens were without Rodri, who is expected to complete his move to Barcelona as early as today.

The club has shown interest in Enzo Fernández from Chelsea and Ayub Bouaddi from Lille to bolster their midfield. Maresca believes Sunday's result doesn't impact their transfer activity, as they were already aware of the need for further market activity before the match at the Etihad.

“Even before the game, we knew what we needed to do. It’s not because of the loss, nor would we have thought differently if we had won,” Maresca said after the match.

“We are aware of what we need to do. And certainly, as I said, we will make a move before the transfer window closes.”

When specifically asked about the interest in Bouaddi, he replied: “He is still a Lille player, but any new signing, any new player… is welcome because we start the Premier League in a week. And if they start working with us as soon as possible, it will be better because they will be able to understand the way we want to play.”

The former Chelsea manager took over this summer after Pep Guardiola departed City following an incredibly successful decade. Although Maresca was his assistant during City's treble-winning season in 2022-23 and has worked in the club's academy, the team is currently in a transitional period.

While expressing concern about certain aspects of the performance, Maresca chose not to dwell too much on it.

“Overall, I’m always concerned, even when we win games. Imagine now that we didn’t win, but we are just starting. This is just the beginning. We have many things to improve. But again, I think there was a good reaction after the first goal we conceded. Now we will try to reset, analyze the game, and from Tuesday, think about the next match.”

City kicks off their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on August 23rd, and one player who could feature is Jack Grealish.

The England international returned to the club this summer after spending last year on loan at Everton.

He made his first appearance for City in over a year, coming on as a second-half substitute for Jérémy Doku.

“Jack came on when we were 2-0 down. The game had already become complicated. But overall, I think Jack did well,” Maresca said.

“Those who are here will work every day. And if they deserve it, they will get minutes.”