First impressions
Enzo Maresca has been on the training pitch this week, taking charge of his first sessions as Manchester City manager. The players who returned early — those who missed the World Cup or didn't go deep into it, plus a handful of the club's younger talents — have been putting in the work ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders are officially back in business.
Friday's unveiling
Come Friday, Maresca will face the media for the first time in his new role. It is expected he will update on the players who have trained this week and offer a glimpse into his plans for the side. Whether he goes into detail on tactics or philosophy remains to be seen — it would be a surprise if he did — but there is at least hope he provides some indication of what lies ahead.
There have been clips of him taking charge this week. Friday will be the first proper public viewing.
A different voice
One thing Maresca will not be in that press room is Pep Guardiola. Guardiola was larger than life in front of the cameras, charismatic and often fascinating to listen to. Maresca will bring his own presence, and how he handles the occasion is worth watching.
He has waited for this opportunity. He left his post at Chelsea last season because City came calling about succeeding Guardiola. Friday is the first step in making that decision public in a real way.
It does represent the first public viewing of a new era at Manchester City.
It is only a press conference. But it is the first of many, and it marks the moment the post-Guardiola era begins in earnest.