Manchester City's Italian manager Enzo Maresca looks on during the English FA Community Shield football match v Arsenal at The Principality Stadium, in Cardiff, south Wales on August 16, 2026. (Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Enzo Maresca urged Manchester City to learn from their chastening Community Shield defeat against Arsenal after the Italian made a dismal start to the daunting task of replacing Pep Guardiola.
For the first time in a decade, Guardiola was missing from the touchline in a showpiece match for City and the Spaniard's absence was keenly felt as Maresca's men slumped to a 3-0 defeat in Cardiff on Sunday.
The sight of Maresca patrolling the technical area was jarring for City following their dynastic era under Guardiola, who won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, before stepping down at the end of last season.
Whether Maresca is the right choice to succeed the 55-year-old is a question that will hang over City throughout the season.