Enzo Maresca has taken the reins at Manchester City, following in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola’s illustrious 10-year tenure. While Maresca’s appointment may suggest a continuation of Guardiola’s tactics, the Italian has already begun to impose his own style on the team, as evident in their pre-season performances.
Guardiola’s Manchester City were renowned for their possession-based football, with an emphasis on keeping the ball as far away from their own goal as possible. This approach was rooted in the concept of positional play, where players are positioned in a way that allows them to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
Maresca’s City have adopted a similar approach, with a clear focus on positional play. In their first game against Inter Milan, City enjoyed 64% possession, with players taking up clearly defined positions on the pitch. This rigid structure has allowed City to maintain a solid defensive shape, with four or five players often staying behind the ball to provide protection against counter-attacks.
Maresca’s Tactical Approach
Maresca has opted for a 3-2-2-3 shape, which provides a strong foundation for City’s attacks. The three defenders are capable of playing with the ball, while also covering the width of the pitch defensively. The two midfielders play a crucial role in progressing the ball and screening the defense, with one midfielder often given license to contribute to the attack.
The wingers are instructed to stay high and wide, resisting the urge to drift into the middle of the pitch. This approach has been successful, with Antoine Semenyo impressing on the flank, receiving the ball with time and space to run at his full-back. The game is simplified for the players behind the winger, who look to find repeatable situations where the winger can isolate their full-back and deliver a cross into the box.
Defensive Approach
Out of possession, Maresca’s City have adopted a more zonal approach, defending high up the pitch in a 4-2-4 shape. This is a departure from Maresca’s time at Chelsea, where he employed a man-to-man press. The front four hold their shape initially, before pressing certain opponents when the moment is right. While this approach has shown promise, it has also been the weakest part of City’s system, with players often having to cover large distances and leaving gaps in their defensive shape.
Maresca’s Manchester City are shaping up to be an exciting prospect, with a unique blend of familiar principles and new ideas. As the team continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Maresca’s approach plays out in the upcoming season.
