Need to know
Manchester City will begin their pre-season tour in under two weeks as Enzo Maresca gets to grips with life as Pep Guardiola's successor.
Enzo Maresca's reign at Manchester City has started
Enzo Maresca's reign at Manchester City has started(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Manchester City's head coaches' first matches in charge:
A new era for City began this week as Enzo Maresca took charge of his first training session.
His first competitive game in charge will be on August 16 when City take on Arsenal for the Community Shield, in Cardiff. Then, he begins the Premier League campaign against Bournemouth a week later at the Etihad Stadium.
Traditionally, City have enjoyed success with their new managers during their first competitive fixtures.
Pep Guardiola's tenure started in victory as a late Paddy McNair own goal secured a 2-1 win over Sunderland on the opening day of the 2016/17 season. Afterwards, Guardiola said: "It was tough for everybody and that is why people say the Premier League is tough."
In August 2013, Manuel Pellegrini was much more convincing during his first game, as City thrashed Newcastle 4-0 thanks to David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri goals.
Roberto Mancini is one of only two permanent City managers to have started midway through the season this century. But he did begin with a Boxing Day win over Stoke. Martin Petrov and Carlos Tevez were on the scoresheet in the 2009 festive fixture.
Mark Hughes and Sven-Goran Eriksson both won their first games by a 2-0 margin, a year apart. Hughes' men beat EB/Streymur in UEFA Cup qualification while Eriksson's side beat West Ham at Upton Park in 2007.
Unfortunately for Stuart Pearce, he is the only City manager to lose his first game in charge in the 21st Century. City went down 2-1 at Tottenham in March 2005.
Kevin Keegan, who sadly passed away this week, began his City tenure in the First Division (now the Championship). At Maine Road, the Blues beat Watford 3-0 to begin their journey back to the top flight.