Manchester City

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We asked for your views on what would constitute success for Enzo Maresca in his first season as Manchester City manager as he follows in the footsteps of the legendary Pep Guardiola, and how you feel about the appointment.

Here are some of your comments:

Harry: Success in Maresca's first season would be Champions League qualification. With our squad, he should do much better than that, but we're realistic. We need to see a clear identity and I'd also love if we could have a promising Champions League campaign. Most importantly, he needs to show us fans that he appreciates the opportunity. Don't take it for granted.

David: I have my doubts about the new manager. l hope it bodes well but I would have preferred to have Vincent Kompany.

Jill: I am not sure about this appointment at all. I am already in mourning about the loss of Pep and now have to accept this. Enzo just does not have the aura that I think is needed to be a great manager. Sorry if everyone is upset with me... would have preferred Kompany.

Youssef: Obviously not as good as Pep - but, as Pep says, Maresca is really underrated. Happy to get someone who knows the club, especially someone who was assistant manager in the Treble year. Success for me would be winning the Champions League.

Farnhill: If he has a season like Pep's final one, that will be a success. But a top-three finish and a decent run in the cup competitions would be classed as OK.

Malcolm: Winning the Premier League would get him instant respect from City fans. There is no bedding-in period. He has been given the tools to do the job.

Martin: I do not think any manager we know of can emulate Pep that easily. If he makes the top three that will be good. He has the team.

Dayvon: I think a starting point would be to get top five in the Premier League and do well in the Champions League.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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New manager Enzo Maresca has called the Manchester City job a "huge challenge" with the unenviable task of taking over from Pep Guardiola.

The legendary Spaniard won 20 trophies during his decade at the club, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

"At the same moment it's a nice challenge," said Maresca. "It's exciting because the target is to continue or carry on the last decade.

"Probably the reason why I am here is also because the idea from the club is to maintain the same style of football, the same idea. We're going to try to do the most important thing in football which to win and achieve important things."

Maresca takes over a City side that won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season.

But the dressing room has lost the influence of captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who have left City upon the expiry of their contracts.

The club record £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest should be announced this week, but will there be more incomings?

"It's a young squad, but it's a very good squad," said Maresca. "Also, we have the right mix between young players and more experienced players, which helps the young ones a lot to grow and improve.

"The squad is already good, for sure. We need to do some things, but we are working with [director of football] Hugo [Viana] and we will see."

Chelsea's Malo Gusto has been linked with a reunion with Maresca, so it remains to be seen whether that moves comes to fruition.

Midfielder Rodri is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Etihad Stadium so one of Maresca's priorities will be to try to tie the Spain captain down to a new deal.

The Italian also has a decision to make for his number one as he likes his goalkeeper to be good with his feet - will compatriot Gianluigi Donnarumma keep hold of the shirt or will James Trafford be given a chance to establish himself as a first-team regular?

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has been open and honest in his assessment of Enzo Maresca, with the Italian returning to the club following two previous stints - first with the academy and then alongside Pep Guardiola as his assistant coach.

Khaldoon said: "He is one of Pep's assistants at one point in his career so definitely - he will tell you - he is going to have taken a lot of inspiration in the philosophy of Pep, and you see that in his football.

"But he has also evolved his own philosophy. I think Enzo brings a lot to this club. Honestly, I am very excited about Enzo and I think the fans will appreciate him as a manager, his football philosophy, his football and how the team is going to perform and go from strength to strength with Maresca's leadership.

"He will be a great addition to the team. This is a big challenge - this scares off many people. The beauty with Enzo is he actually wants that challenge, he loves that challenge."

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Manchester City have finally landed their man.

Over a month since Pep Guardiola announced he would be leaving as manager, Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the replacement on a three-year deal.

Having identified their number-one target, the hierarchy at City has been relaxed about the situation at a point when the season has come to a close and players and staff are away.

Senior City sources say they have no ill feeling towards Chelsea and that the now-resolved contractual dispute was between the Stamford Bridge club and Maresca.

Insiders have spoken glowingly about the 46-year-old, a man they know well having worked in the academy then as assistant to Guardiola, and he will now be expected to continue the philosophy of the legendary Spaniard.

Maresca was seemingly the only name in the frame once Guardiola announced his decision to leave Manchester City.

The club's chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "Enzo was the standout candidate in our considerations. We know his personality and his vision for the way football should be played. He is a man with integrity, charisma and passion.

"In addition to his successes at Chelsea and Leicester, his City track record speaks for itself. He managed our elite development team with distinction and was a key contributor to the historic Treble season.

"We will ensure that he receives everything he needs to be successful here and we are all very much looking forward to seeing his positive impact on the next phase of the club's progress."

What are you expecting from City under Maresca in the 2026-27 season? What do you think can be achieved and what constitutes success for the Italian?

Get in touch with your views here

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Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has apologised to his former club for the "disruption" caused by his mid-season departure.

Shortly after his appointment as Manchester City's new manager was confirmed, the Italian posted on social media: "At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea.

"The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.

"I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.

"I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure.

"I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity."

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Manchester City have announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year deal - and we want to know what you think success will look like in his first season.

The former Chelsea boss replaces City great Pep Guardiola, who spent 10 immensely successful years in charge at the Etihad.

Maresca told club media: "Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me.

"City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.

"This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations.

"The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability.

"I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City."

What are you expecting from Maresca in the 2026-27 season? What do you think can be achieved and what constitutes success for the Italian?

Get in touch with your views here

Follow all the reaction to Maresca's appointment in our live page

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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto has agreed to join Manchester City as the 23-year-old France international eyes reunion with former manager Enzo Maresca once he takes charge at Etihad Stadium. (Footmercato - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that midfielder Elliot Anderson is expected to complete his £116million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City before England's World Cup last-32 tie on Wednesday.

The Premier League clubs have agreed a deal for Anderson to move to Etihad Stadium once the 23-year-old completes a medical which will take place out in the United States.

"I think there is a very high chance that the thing is sorted before the round of 32," said Tuchel.

"It is very impressive the way he trains and plays and carries himself. He is still young and quite new to our national team and he just plays like he owns the place and is always there."

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Elliot Anderson made his Newcastle United debut in an FA Cup defeat by Arsenal in January 2021, and went on to make 55 appearances in all competitions for the club before joining Bristol Rovers on loan a year later.

It was there he completed a vital part of his education. Former Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan, who was a player-coach there at the time, vividly remembers the impact the confident "but never arrogant" Anderson made in the West Country.

"He just came into the building and showed his potential straight away," Whelan told BBC Sport. "Nothing seemed to faze him. You could see straight away that this boy was different.

"There were certain scenarios in training when I tried to put him under a little pressure. Some kids would be a little bit more reserved and fall back, but Anderson was right on the front foot. He took the bull by the horns.

"He just had a confidence about him to show everyone how good he was. It wasn't arrogance, he had obviously had a great upbringing by his family - and he had that Geordie in him.

"He loved training, he always wanted to learn and do the extras. He had the attitude to stay behind and get better."

Anderson's progress has been so impressive that he was fully focused on the World Cup, even as discussions continued around his move to Manchester City.

City have agreed a package worth £116m - though some sources have suggested the figure is £130m, which would eclipse the £125m that took Alexander Isak from Newcastle United to Liverpool last summer.

And it is not just his England status shaping those discussions, his numbers in 2025-26 also add great value.

Anderson had the most touches in the Premier League (3,300), won possession the most times (306), won the most duels (297) and drew the most fouls (80).

He will now start next season under the leadership of expected new coach Enzo Maresca - and Whelan has no doubts he will flourish.

"The sky is the limit," he said. "We see what he is doing at the World Cup, but I think in time the top teams in the Champions League and all over the world will be sitting up to watch this boy play."

Read the full article here

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Since 2006, every World Cup winner has dropped points in their first or second group game - but what they have also done each time is go on to win their group.

I am confident England will do that too, by beating Panama on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if Thomas Tuchel makes three or even four changes to his team after such a disappointing result and performance.

One change I can see happening is at left-back, with Nico O'Reilly coming back in for Djed Spence.

We just seemed to lose a bit of creativity and quality going forward down the left-hand side without O'Reilly and we posed more of a threat in a 15-minute spell after he came on than we did in the rest of the game.

O'Reilly got in some great positions, offered more on the ball and was also very unlucky when his header hit the bar.

I could also understand if Tuchel brought John Stones back in for Ezri Konsa. Although our main issue against Ghana was being unable to break them down, there were still some concerns defensively.

In the two real attacks that Ghana had when they managed to get forward, one could have seen them win a penalty and the other one could have ended with Jordan Pickford getting a red card.

We got away with it both times, but Tuchel has changed things in his defence and there is no doubt that there is some uncertainty back there.

I don't know if that has affected Pickford too, but he has not looked assured so far as he normally does.

In the first game, his distribution was pretty poor and then he got caught out against Ghana when he came rushing out, so maybe those changes did not help his situation either.

Read Shearer's full column here

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

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Two of the greatest forwards in world football will go head-to-head at Boston Stadium on Friday, as Norway and Erling Haaland take on France and Kylian Mbappe.

Both nations have won their opening two group-stage matches at the World Cup, helped by devastating displays from their star strikers. Both have each scored twice in their two opening games, leaving them on four goals for the tournament.

With top spot in Group I still up for grabs, both players are expected to start despite their teams having already secured qualification for the knockout stages.

The match effectively serves as a playoff to determine who finishes first and, in theory, earns a more favourable path in the bracket.

Although both are key players for their domestic clubs, the importance of Haaland and Mbappe is further elevated on the international stage.

Given Norway's limited depth, it is no surprise that Haaland is even more crucial to his nation than Mbappe. Since August 2022, Norway have won 64.5% of matches with Haaland in the team, compared to just 33.3% without him.

The Norwegian has taken to his first World Cup like a Viking rower to water.

He is the sixth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances at the tournament, and only the second player to do so in the past 50 years after Harry Kane for England in 2018.

He has also scored in 12 consecutive competitive internationals, including 16 goals in his past six matches.

France, of course, have loftier ambitions this summer and are among the favourites to win the World Cup, but Norway are capable of giving them a bloody nose.

With Haaland, it would be foolish to put a lid on the country's ambitions.

Read the full article here

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We asked for your views on Manchester City agreeing a club-record £116m deal to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, and where you see him fitting into the starting XI for the upcoming season.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Josh: He is definitely overpriced, the English player tax is at it again! A good player with bags of potential, but a big risk for that price. We did need to replace Bernardo Silva though, so I guess it is that. £115m would have been funnier.

David: No, no, no! When will we learn? It is just a repeat of the Jack Grealish fiasco.

Julia: With Bernardo Silva leaving and maybe Rodri, we need some top quality midfielders to replace them. He is English, which is a bonus, especially as it helps our Champions League quotas. It is a lot of money, but he is very young and we need him.

Mike: Watching him play at the World Cup, I don't even think he is worth £30m, nevermind £130m. Overrated.

Nige: It is a lot of money, I agree, however, he has the potential to be as influential for us as Declan Rice is for Arsenal, if not more. Given the fact we were allegedly offered £70m to £80m for Savinho, this price is about right for Anderson.

Warren: If it is actually £130m then I'm disappointed in City paying that. No player is worth that sort of money. I know he is young, but it is getting ridiculous the amount of money the club is playing for any player. It needs sorting out.

Sean: A fantastic young player who has got a lot of things going for him, although I think we have been over-charged because of who we are. With Rodri probably seeing out the last 12 months of his contract, we had to act now before somebody else came in for him.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Elliot Anderson was the schoolboy footballer so good his teachers discussed placing a bet on him playing for England.

The bet was never made - but Thomas Tuchel is backing him to be a winner at the World Cup and Manchester City are doing the same after agreeing a club record £116m to sign him from Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder is the one that painfully got away from Newcastle United, but he is still revered and respected in his home city as the "quiet and self-effacing" local boy made good.

After making his international debut against Andorra in September 2025, the 23-year-old emerged as a central component in England's World Cup plans, with head coach Tuchel calling him "the full package", and he is on course to assume the same role at City once the transfer formalities are completed.

Anderson's first steps in football came playing with his two elder brothers, Louie and Wil - the latter gaining prominence as a contestant on reality TV show Love Island.

His parents, Iain and Helen, ensured studying was never sidelined, with lessons organised around time at Newcastle United's academy, his beloved club that he was always destined to join.

Jonathan Roys, Anderson's former English and PE teacher, told BBC Sport he was not surprised by his progress: "Elliot was a very hard-working and determined lad. He was very good at athletics, cross country, indoor events - and he represented the school in cricket.

"It was football for him, though. We put him in midfield as he was our best player, although he actually also even played in goal for us once when we played Wallsend Boys Club.

"He is a real inspiration to the new generation. Everyone is proud of him."

Read the full article here

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Manchester City have agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson for a club record £116m.

The England midfielder is set to have a medical before completing his move to Etihad Stadium.

City sources insist the fee for Anderson is £116m, which would be a club record, with no bonuses attached. Other sources claim the deal is worth up to £130m, which would represent a British record fee, eclipsing the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for striker Alexander Isak last summer.

What do you think about the deal? Is the 23-year-old worth the money? And where will he fit in City's XI?

Get in touch with your views here

Manchester City and Arsenal could consider a move for 26-year-old Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who scored for Denmark against England at Euro 2024. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

Sheffield United are in advanced talks with Manchester City over a deal to sign Kalvin Phillips after having the midfielder on loan last season. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: The player I think would be a great fit for City is France's Michael Olise. It's looking like Savinho will be moved on this summer, so who better to replace him? With Olise and Jeremy Doku attacking from the flanks, and Erling Haaland centre, what a potent strike force that would be. Also, like Antoine Semenyo he can attack from the midfield, so no reason why they could not play together and interchange during a game, and the onus would not always be on Haaland to score.

Youssef: Ayyoub Bouaddi from Morocco to fill in if Rodri and (if we sign him) Elliot Anderson get injured. Looked solid against Brazil!

Fredrik: CyleLarin is absolutely brilliant, he has scored in all two of Canada's games.

Steve: I would love it if we could get Julian Alvarez back and a much-needed right-back.

Roger: Bouaddi from Morocco. 18-years-old, raw but lots of energy, strength and reads the game well for a youngster.

Tell us who you have scouted here

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club placing a £75m price tag on the full-back.

The 23-year-old right-back's future has come under renewed doubt after Chelsea agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra, who plays in the same position, for a fee in excess of £43m.

Sources at Manchester City have distanced themselves from a move for Gusto, possibly because of the £75m figure that has been quoted by Chelsea, but there is no doubt the club view a new right-back as a possibility this summer.

Reports in Italy recently suggested City had agreed personal terms with Palestra, though that did not materialise, and instead Chelsea have swooped to sign the highly-rated right-back.

City have been without a natural right-back since Kyle Walker left the club in January 2025 - and 28-year-old Matheus Nunes has excelled in the position after being converted from midfield.

The Portugal international scored one goal and provided seven assists in the Premier League last season and, such were his performances, then manager Pep Guardiola said Nunes was becoming "one of the best right-backs in the world".

But, having deployed a makeshift right-back all of last season, City are now eyeing the profile of a young player in that position, one who is a natural fit and can grow into the role in the future.

A move for Newcastle United and England right-back Tino Livramento has been ruled out, while there were also links with Tottenham's Pedro Porro but the Spaniard has signed a new deal at the club.

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Despite still feeling "massively optimistic" about Thomas Tuchel's chances of being successful as England manager, former Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has been left "surprised" with some of his selection decisions.

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night, knowing that victory would have confirmed a place in the World Cup's last 32.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Warnock said: "More than anything, I was surprised Nico O'Reilly didn't start in the left-back position because when you have a right-footed left-back, you lose that little bit of balance on the pitch.

"You can see the difference when O'Reilly comes on, England get more bodies into the box and it causes chaos.

"I've seen a clip of Declan Rice getting onto the team bus with a heavily strapped calf, so it might be that Thomas Tuchel rests one of his two central midfielders and goes for more attacking-minded players next time out.

"I wouldn't mind seeing Harry Kane through the middle with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers either side of him, as either two number eights or two number 10s.

"It also wouldn't surprise me if he starts Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side as his cameos so far have been hugely impressive. When you're looking for a player to get in behind or get in 1-v-1 situations, he has been key.

"Noni Madueke did very well in the first half, but I was surprised Tuchel didn't bring Rashford on a little bit earlier. Giving a player 10 minutes in a game like that just isn't enough.

"Djed Spence, who is playing with the wrong foot constantly, was also playing very predictable balls to Anthony Gordon, which was making it very difficult for him to find the space or get in behind.

"I understood why Tuchel picked Spence initially, but I thought he was taking him as a right-back not a left-back. Right now, I can't understand how Lewis Hall isn't in this squad. It is nothing against Spence, I just don't think left-back suits him.

"That being said, I am still massively optimistic with this manager."

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