In football, the phrase "Impossible Job" was long associated with the England manager role, immortalised by a documentary following Graham Taylor's failed World Cup qualification. Now, that tag may be shifting to the Manchester City hot seat, as Enzo Maresca is widely expected to succeed Pep Guardiola.
The Legacy of Guardiola
Guardiola's decade at City has brought 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League. In his last ten seasons, he won the league six times, compared to Sir Alex Ferguson's five in his final decade at Manchester United. Following Guardiola is arguably tougher than following Ferguson.
A Squad in Transition
Despite a domestic cup double and second-place league finish, City's squad has vulnerabilities. Their points total could be the joint second-lowest of Guardiola's era, and goal-scoring has dipped. Key questions remain: Can Rodri regain top form? Is Nico Gonzalez ready to step up? How to replace departing Bernardo Silva? The full-backs are defensively suspect, and Phil Foden needs to rediscover his best. In goal, James Trafford is too good to sit behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Maresca will inherit a team still transitioning, with central midfield a pressing issue. The recruitment of Elliot Anderson may be crucial. As the Italian prepares to take over, the jury is out on whether Guardiola has left the tools for the job.
