Maresca Vows to Close Gap on Arsenal as City Prepare for Community Shield
Mikel Arteta praises his counterpart as Premier League champions face FA Cup holders in season opener
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has declared his intention to close the seven-point gap to Premier League champions Arsenal ahead of the Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday. Taking charge for the first time following the departure of Pep Guardiola, Maresca emphasised that the fixture is a serious contest for silverware rather than a pre-season friendly.
According to Sky Sports, Maresca stated that the club is determined to win the first trophy of the season. He acknowledged Arsenal’s status as a well-managed team that won the league last year but insisted that City’s objective is to compete and win titles. The match serves as a precursor to the start of the Premier League campaign, with both sides opening their domestic seasons later in the week.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described Maresca as being as good as Guardiola, noting that he knows the new City boss well and expects him to bring something different to the club. Arteta confirmed that his squad is fit and hungry, with key players including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi available. However, he acknowledged that Jurrien Timber and William Saliba remain injured.
Maresca confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit despite a minor heel issue and will ease back into action. The manager indicated that Nico Gonzalez or Rico Lewis are likely to start in central midfield, with Omar Marmoush expected to play through the middle. Phil Foden is also expected to begin his comeback trail in the No 10 role after a summer without international duty.
Arteta suggested that key players like Rice, Saka, and Zubimendi may start on the bench and play the final 30 minutes, allowing younger squad members a run-out. Bruno Guimaraes is likely to start in midfield, while Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christos Tzolis, and Max Dowman are expected to feature. Arteta faces a left-back selection dilemma between Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.
Sky Sports’ predictor lists Arsenal as favourites to retain the Community Shield, placing them four points clear of Manchester City. The Gunners have historically won all three of their Community Shield matches against City, setting the stage for an intriguing new rivalry between the two managers.
