Hugo Viana
Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana says the club are “truly happy” with their summer transfer window and believe they have built a squad suited to Enzo Maresca’s style.
City experienced a busy summer of turnover following Maresca’s arrival, bringing in Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez, Ayyoub Bouaadi, Iliman Ndiaye and others, while Rodri and Bernardo Silva were among those to depart.
“I think we were cool and we are happy with the window,” he said.
“It was a different summer because a new manager came in, new faces, a World Cup. Everything was a little bit later than normal, but it was important to stay calm and stick to our plan and be patient.
“We had a look at some really good options for the positions we wanted to bring in new players. I think we did a good window.
“When your coach is happy, you should be happy too.”
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Viana says City specifically targeted players who could fit Maresca’s tactical demands while also managing departures effectively.
“We are truly happy with the window and we all believe that we bought the players that fit for Enzo’s style of playing,” he added.
“We also managed very well the outgoings.”
The City chief also stressed that patience will be needed while the new arrivals adapt and Maresca implements his ideas.
“We have to give time to the new players and new coach to implement his ideas,” Viana said.
“The players have to understand, be ready and know how Enzo wants to play.”
City have also lowered the average age of their squad, with Viana highlighting 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi as a signing for both the present and future.
“We have a really young squad,” he said. “In terms of average, we have one year less than last year.
“We bought players with experience in the Premier League and we bought players like Bouaddi that we believe will be important in the future but this year also. He’s still 18, we cannot forget that.”
Viana believes City now have the foundations of a squad capable of competing for major honours over the coming years.
“Myself, Ferran, Khaldoon and Enzo, we are really confident that we have a squad for the next years,” he added.
“If we can, we want to win but at least we will compete very seriously in all competitions.”
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