Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that he remains unsure of his best starting XI as he continues to assess his players in training.
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Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that he remains unsure of his best starting XI as he continues to assess his players in training.
The Italian's blushes were spared by late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol against Bournemouth on Sunday after Marcus Tavernier's 24th minute strike seemed destined to inflict a second consecutive loss for Maresca.
Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners over Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff a few weeks ago and while the Blues won by the skin of their teeth on Sunday, Bournemouth asked more than a few questions of Maresca and co.
City have been a bit all over the place in the transfer market this summer, losing senior stars such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake to leave it until the final week of the window for potent replacements.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has hinted at a positional switch for Marc Guehi after Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth.cityxtra.co.ukEnzo Maresca Hints at Continued Marc Guehi Role in Manchester City Midfield
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has hinted at a positional switch for Marc Guehi after Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
That haphazard nature of going about their business was epitomised by Marc Guehi starting in midfield against the Cherries, albeit exceeding expectations in a challenging role for any centre-half and eventually grabbing the leveller after 84 minutes.
What has Enzo Maresca said on his preferred starting XI?
Maresca admitted in his post-Bournemouth press conference on Sunday that he is still getting a grip on his best starting XI at Manchester City.
"Day by day, I can see it more clear. But at the moment, I don't have yet an ideal 11 players," said the former Chelsea and Leicester City manager after his first Premier League game as Manchester City boss.
The win also saw record City signing Elliot Anderson make his league debut since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.
Enzo Maresca has not ruled out more signings for Manchester City in the closing days of the transfer window.cityxtra.co.ukAnything Can Happen in the Transfer Window, Says Enzo Maresca on New Signings
Enzo Maresca has not ruled out more signings for Manchester City in the closing days of the transfer window.
"He was very good! I think Elliot was very good; on the ball, off the ball, and I have a good feeling with Elliot that he's going to be better and better," Maresca added on the England international.
"For him, it's like pre-season. He arrived 10 days ago, so the feeling is he's going to be very good for this club in the future!"
How much work is there to be done in the final week of the transfer window?
Jeremy Doku missed the win owing to a calf injury and as Antoine Semenyo moved to the left wing, Phil Foden was asked to fill on the right wing - a position in which the England international can operate but one that he has admitted does not bring the best out of him.
The Blues have completed the €100 million signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is expected to be available for Manchester City's upcoming Premier League trip to London to face Crystal Palace.
Manchester City have announced the departure of Omar Marmoush to Tottenham on loan for the 2026/27 season.cityxtra.co.ukMan City Confirm Omar Marmoush Loan Move to Tottenham With Buy Option
Manchester City have announced the departure of Omar Marmoush to Tottenham on loan for the 2026/27 season.
However, City remain in the market for another midfielder after completing the sale of Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle United despite the 24-year-old Spaniard expressing a public desire to stay and fight for a place under Maresca.
Two new wingers are also on the agenda for Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana, with Savinho having completed a £85 million move to Tottenham and Omar Marmoush also following on a season-long loan mandatory option to buy for £50 million if certain conditions are met.