Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly called on the club’s hierarchy to secure more leadership in the dressing room before the transfer window closes. Following a chaotic summer of squad overhaul marked by the departures of established senior figures such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Ake, the Italian manager emphasized that the squad is currently short on experienced leaders to complement club captains Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland.
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, Maresca highlighted that while the squad possesses tremendous quality and talent, adding proven leaders is essential to maintaining stability throughout a demanding campaign. Despite the recent £85 million arrival of 18-year-old French midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, Maresca stressed the need for patience with younger additions, noting that immediate leadership cannot be expected from teenagers adjusting to a new league and country.
The manager’s comments come as Manchester City continue heavy negotiations to land Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández before the deadline. Maresca views Fernández as an ideal target to reinforce both the central midfield and the leadership dynamic within the squad, having previously worked with the Argentine during his tenure at Stamford Bridge. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, City’s board is under pressure to deliver the structural support and authoritative presence their new manager desires.