news-engine

Enzo Maresca reflected on the state of the Manchester City squad before their clash with Arsenal. The Italian takes charge of his first significant match after replacing the legendary Pep Guardiola. He hopes that the Citizens can show their intent to take back the Premier League crown from the Gunners, whom they defeated 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final back in March at Wembley Stadium. ‘There is a change’ Cardiff sets the stage for the showdown on Sunday, and the fixture is also notable for the absences of three key squad members in the spine of the side that have all left the club. Transfer rumours relate heavily to two other midfielders, but Maresca could not confirm what will happen with their futures. “The window transfer is open… we can buy players, we can sell, anything can happen. I’ve just seen Rodri. I gave him a big hug. He looks good. We’ll see what happens! "It's a bit difficult to convince players [to stay] when they are already convinced [to leave]. Tijjani's situation, like probably the James Trafford situation and some more players. I think when the club, the player, the manager, they all think in the same way that probably the best decision for some players is to go, you have to go. Reijnders and Anderson in focus "In the way [Tijjani Reijnders] was playing in pre-season games, I was quite happy with his performances overall... In pre-season he was good, now we'll see what happens and then we'll decide. “We are completely sure that Elliot Anderson will do a great job for this club in the next one, two, three, four, five years. No doubt about that... We're going to try to use Elliot in the best way for him, and for the team. A squad in transition "For sure with Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake, we'll see what happens with some more, there is a change in this moment," Maresca admitted. "In the moment the transfer window closes, we need to be good enough to find as soon as possible solutions for the team. "We are in a moment where players that were here many years have already left or probably can leave, and that means there is a change. We're going to try to do our best."