Maresca's sense of excitement as new season looms into view

New City boss Enzo Maresca said he is filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation as the countdown to the 2026/27 season intensifies.

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The City squad officially launch the new campaign this Sunday when we tackle Arsenal in the 2026 Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, kick-off 16.00 (UK).

By way of stepping up preparations, the players and staff took part in a special open training session at the Joie Stadium on Thursday afternoon, entitled City Are Back.

The players went through a series of intense drills and activities in front of a packed army of excited fans before then mingling for selfies and autographs.

For Maresca, who earlier this summer succeeded Pep Guardiola as City manager, it was his first chance to appear in front of our home fans.

And speaking after the session the Italian – who enjoyed two hugely successful previous spells at the Club as first our Elite Development Squad head coach and then as part of Guardiola’s senior coaching team – spoke of his feeling of excitement and hunger for success.

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And he insisted the expectations of success that surround City was something he and his players would embrace rather than worry about.

“I’m completely excited, I know the expectation when you join a club like City,” Maresca declared.

“The expectation is to win games, to win titles and to compete for titles. And we are going to try that.

“[For me] I’m very happy [to be back].

“It’s a special moment; the feeling is like being back at home so it’s a very nice feeling.

“The people inside the building, they are almost the same.

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“The squad is maybe 80% changed but overall, I had exactly the same feeling.

“Good people, it’s nice to be here.”

The previous decade under Guardiola of course saw City enjoy an unprecedented era with 20 major titles secured under the Catalan’s reign.

And asked what would represent success in his eyes, Maresca was unequivocal in his response.

“That’s a good question - for sure, try to win some titles,” the boss asserted.

“But as I said before, it’s what the Club has to fight for, so hopefully we can be at the end of the season and enjoy that moment.”

Premier League 2026/27 home tickets now on sale

General admission tickets for Manchester City’s home 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are now on sale to Premium, Matchday and Junior Members.

Season Ticket Members, meanwhile, are now also able to purchase additional tickets for selected games.

Premier League match-by-match ticket prices for junior and adult Matchday Members have been retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.

It promises to be another thrilling campaign for the Blues as we enter a new era under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who takes over from Pep Guardiola in the hotseat.

Make sure you secure your spot at the Etihad Stadium for our Premier League fixtures now!

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