Manchester City's rebuild under new manager Enzo Maresca has begun, but the club isn't heaping massive expectation on this season. Joe Hart, a former City and England goalkeeper, believes the team still has the quality to challenge. The club is looking to bring in Chelsea's Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but may lose Spain's World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri to Barcelona. Hart thinks the pressure on Maresca will come externally, with the club still wanting to push on all fronts.
What happened?
Manchester City fell to a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal in Cardiff on Sunday. The loss has raised questions about the team's ability to defend their title.
Why it matters for Manchester City
The team's rebuild under Maresca is crucial, and the pressure will be on to deliver results. Hart believes the club is intelligent enough to understand that the current situation will be difficult, but the noise from the outside will be intense.
What comes next?
The team's next fixture is against Arsenal at home on January 30, 2027. Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from their defeat and start the season on a high note. The team is currently without Jack Grealish, Rodri, and Savinho due to injuries.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Premier League, 78 pts, 23W-9D-6L from 38 games, recent form LDWWD. Goals this season: 77 scored, 35 conceded (+42 goal difference). Title race: 7 points behind leaders Arsenal. Currently sidelined: Jack Grealish, Rodri, Savinho.
