Enzo Maresca’s debut as Manchester City manager ended in disappointment as his team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal during the Community Shield on Sunday. While some might dismiss this loss due to the pre-season nature of the match, the performance raised important questions about City’s readiness for the upcoming season.

Maresca, who succeeded the legendary Pep Guardiola, found himself in a challenging position. Although he served as Guardiola’s assistant last season, the transition to head coach has proven difficult. The match highlighted significant defensive weaknesses, particularly evident in the second goal where Martin Ødegaard’s cross found Kai Havertz, leaving Rúben Dias and others exposed.

Arsenal showcased impressive sharpness and passing, indicating they remain competitive despite having ended a 22-year title drought. In contrast, City appeared disorganized and lacked focus, raising concerns about their title ambitions.

Key issues for City included:

• Midfield struggles: With Rodri potentially moving to Barcelona, City lacks both his quality and organizational skills.
• Defensive concerns: The aging defense and lack of depth in key areas could hinder their performance.
• Squad transition: The team seems to be in a state of decline rather than transition, with several recent signings failing to impress.

As Maresca looks ahead, he must address these pressing issues quickly. The early signs suggest that taking over from Guardiola during this turbulent period might be more challenging than anticipated.