NewsIndia

By Ishaan Kapoor — 24 July 2026 — 3 min read

Manchester City‘s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, has confirmed that Spain captain Rodri will undergo back surgery on Monday. Maresca also dismissed ongoing speculation regarding the midfielder’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri, a World Cup winner, had his last two club seasons significantly affected by injuries. He was sidelined for much of the 2024-25 campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, followed by several setbacks last season that limited his availability. Despite these issues, Rodri was back in top form during the recent World Cup.

Speaking at his first news conference since taking over as City boss, Maresca stated, “Now, [he has] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us.” The Italian coach did not provide a specific timeline for Rodri’s return.

Addressing transfer rumours and club stability

Maresca addressed reports linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid, stating that he is not concerned by such speculation. “Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that,” he said. He added that it is normal for such rumours to circulate, especially after Spain’s World Cup victory and given Rodri’s status as a top player.

Maresca, who previously served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola during City’s 2022-23 Treble-winning season, acknowledged the challenge of succeeding Guardiola. He described it as a “privilege” to be chosen for the role, considering Guardiola to be one of the best coaches of the last two decades. Maresca highlighted the club’s stability, noting that City has had only three managers in approximately 16 to 17 years, which he views as a testament to the administrative structure’s belief in giving projects time.

Maresca also touched upon the transfer window, indicating that there are “a few things to do” but did not elaborate on specific player movements. He mentioned that the club is working on completing some necessary tasks in the market, depending on its dynamics. The new head coach confirmed that he expects the remaining players to join the squad three or four days before City face Premier League champions Arsenal.

Squad and coaching philosophy

Regarding other players, Maresca confirmed that Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton, is back in training with City and remains part of his plans. He stated that as long as a player belongs to the club, it is his duty to work with them. Maresca also discussed goalkeeper James Trafford, whom he coached in the under-23 team, noting that while Trafford is currently one of City’s goalkeepers, anything is possible during the transfer window.

Maresca outlined his coaching philosophy, stating that it would not deviate significantly from what he implemented at his previous clubs. He believes that his clear identity at Leicester City and Chelsea was a reason for his appointment at Manchester City, as some of his ideas align with those of the previous coach. He emphasised the importance of pressing hard when possession is lost, controlling matches, imposing their style, and ultimately winning games.

The Italian coach also suggested that long balls could be a tactical option. He explained that solutions need to be varied and adapted to different matches, depending on the opponent’s approach. Maresca expressed his happiness with the energy and impressive levels shown by the young players he is currently working with.

Maresca’s tenure officially began with his first press conference, where he also offered condolences to the family of Kevin Keegan. He expressed his joy at returning to City, describing it as feeling like coming home, and highlighted his familiarity with the institution and its people as key reasons for accepting the challenge.

The new head coach is confident in the club’s ability to continue its successful journey, which began with Roberto Mancini and continued with Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola. The last group of players is expected to join the team three or four days before the Community Shield match.

Source: bbc.com