Last season, Haaland was a standout performer, finishing as the league's top scorer with 27 goals and contributing eight assists. His performance will be under scrutiny once again as City aims to reclaim the championship after finishing behind Arsenal in the previous campaign. The striker's recent appearances include the FA Community Shield final, where City faced a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Arsenal, and his participation in the FIFA World Cup, marking Norway's first qualification for the tournament in 28 years.
New Season, New Leadership
As Manchester City embarks on a new season, they do so under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who steps in as manager following Pep Guardiola's illustrious tenure. Maresca faces the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards, particularly in light of the departure of key midfielder Rodri, who transferred to Barcelona for £65.4 million. Rodri's contributions were pivotal, having played a crucial role in Spain's victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and earning the Golden Ball award.
Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of Rodri's caliber but expressed confidence in his ability to find a suitable successor. "I'll try to find a new Rodri -- it is what it is," he stated. He emphasized that the club has successfully navigated similar transitions in the past, citing the arrivals of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as examples of how the team has adapted to changes. "When they leave, you need to be good and recruit the next one. It's just normal; it's a change. It's not a problem; just go again and try to do the right things," Maresca concluded, setting a determined tone for the season ahead.
