Manchester City manager Maresca attended a press conference to answer media questions ahead of the Community Shield match against Arsenal.

Good morning, Enzo. Some people see the Community Shield as a ceremonial friendly, while others view it as an important trophy. What does Sunday's match mean to you?

For me personally, it's a trophy. As long as there's a trophy, as long as it's a final, you have to give your all to win the match. So it's definitely not a friendly. It's a trophy, and we will do our best to fight for our first trophy.

In the league last season, Manchester City had quite good results against Arsenal, and obviously beat them in the League Cup final. But they ultimately finished 7 points behind Arsenal in the standings. How difficult will it be to close that gap this season?

Arsenal has shown great stability over the past two, three, four, five years, and they have always been among the top teams. They are a very good team, well-managed and well-coached under Mikel Arteta. And last season they won the Premier League, showing their current strength. But at the same time, we are Manchester City, and we will try to close the gap and challenge for the title again.

Can you give the fans an update on Rodri? We understand he returned to the team today. Do you expect him to still be a Manchester City player when the transfer window closes, or have you started preparing for tactical life without him?

First of all, as previously said, the transfer window is still open. We can buy players, and we can sell players, anything can happen. I just saw Rodri upstairs, gave him a big hug, and he looks in good spirits. So, we'll see.

Hello Enzo. At this stage, do you really want to strengthen the squad? Considering that Reijnders might also leave, do you think the squad needs further reinforcement?

There's no doubt that we do have some work to do. As for how many specifically? I'm not sure yet. Maybe one, maybe two, it also depends on whether any players choose to leave. So, it depends on the situation. But at this very moment, with the final only 48 hours away, and it being my first final at this club, I will try to win this first trophy. Therefore, my focus is not on who stays or who goes right now. For me personally, the focus right now is entirely on how to prepare in the best way and strive to win this final.

Would you want to get a player you know very well – Enzo? There have been rumors that Chelsea have valued him at £120 million. Would any attempt to sign him depend on Rodri leaving Manchester City?

No, at this moment, I can only give the exact same answer as on day one, and that attitude will never change. He is a player from another club. I think it's inappropriate to talk about players from other clubs. Similarly, when other clubs talk about our players, I also find it inappropriate. So, I will not comment on players who are not part of our team.

So, one last question, will you communicate with Rodri today?

As I said, I just gave him a big hug. Later when I go back to the office building, we will have time to communicate further.

I know this is only the first game of the new season, but what kind of spirit do you expect to see from the team on Sunday?

The most important thing is that we continue to grow and improve. I think the pre-season performance was quite good, because the team kept improving game after game. Now that pre-season is over, we have to compete for real, to win games and win titles. What I want to see is the team maintaining the right spirit of continuous improvement, and the winning mentality to win games and championships.

Also, I'd like to ask about two specific players. We didn't see Savinho on the pitch yesterday. Can he play on Sunday? Is he a player you want to keep at the club?

Again, Savinho did not participate in full training yesterday. The reason is that he had a slight physical discomfort. Today's training is scheduled for the afternoon, and we will observe his situation today before making a decision.

So do you want to keep Vitor Reis at the club, or consider loaning him out again? Are there any plans at the moment?

No, Vitor will remain with us for now, and we will see what happens before the transfer window closes.

Erling Haaland did not participate in the final stages of training yesterday. Is he okay now?

Yes, no problem, he's fine. He just had a slight discomfort in his heel, but it's nothing serious.

So, are there any other questions about player fitness or injuries before the big game this weekend?

No, the only situation is Ryan McAdoo, as you know, he picked up a minor injury in pre-season, but he's back in training now, so everyone is available. Of course, also considering that some of them only returned two days ago.

Regarding Rodri, he obviously had back surgery this summer. What is his recovery schedule like going forward?

He is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Once he is ready to start training, he will rejoin our full training, and that is his current recovery plan.

Regarding Reijnders, is his situation similar to James Trafford or Marmoush, where last season's performance more or less affected this season?

There is indeed that possibility. As I said, they work hard and train consistently every day, and everyone is eager to get playing time on the weekend. And when they can't play, they often find it difficult to understand why. I also fully understand that after a season, some of them will crave more playing time, which is a very normal situation.

But obviously Reijnders traveled with you to Asia previously, and I guess you talked to him in depth. When you played him, you also told him your expectations for him and his different roles. Couldn't you convince him to stay, or explain your specific plans for him this season?

When players have already made up their minds, it is indeed difficult to persuade them. You have to change their minds, and that is by no means easy. Similarly, this is the situation Reijnders is facing, and it may also apply to James Trafford and some other players. But I think that when the club, the players, and the coach reach a consensus that leaving is the best option for some players, then letting go is inevitable.

Solely based on his technical characteristics, in this summer's friendly matches, we saw him make many driving runs, which seems to be exactly what you tactically demanded of him. How did you plan to use him this season? What kind of communication did you have about his most suitable position?

Who are you referring to?

Sorry, still about Reijnders.

Reijnders' current move has not been officially finalized. But in the next few hours, we will know. During pre-season, I have communicated with him several times, and we will finally see if he stays or leaves.

I mean his playing style, when you communicated, did you mention the tasks you wanted him to undertake on the field?

Yes. Overall, I am quite satisfied with his tactical execution and performance in pre-season. Because I knew Reijnders when he was in Italy, at AC Milan, so I know him very well. I know he may have played different roles on the field before. He prefers to play a slightly deeper role rather than further forward. However, he did perform very well in pre-season. Now let's wait and see before making a decision.

Hello, Enzo. With Bernardo Silva's departure and Elliot Anderson's arrival, how challenging and difficult is it to rebuild a new midfield supported by Elliot in Bernardo's absence?

This is indeed a huge challenge. First, Bernardo has shown a very high level with and without the ball over the years. But Elliot has also joined. We are 100% confident that Elliot will make outstanding contributions to this club in the next three to five years, there is no doubt about that. They are completely different types of players. But we will try to find the most suitable tactical position for Elliot to achieve a win-win for him and the team.

Also, considering that other midfielders may also join, and Rodri may also leave, how difficult will your midfield tactical planning and personnel deployment be for the new season?

Again, we'll see. Bernardo has left, and we'll see about the others. Of course, after the changes involving Bernardo, Stones, and Akanji, we also need to pay attention to some other players. The current squad is in a period of adjustment. The moment the transfer window closes, we must show enough adaptability to quickly find the best tactical balance for the players and the entire team. We are currently in such a transition phase – some veteran players who have served for many years have left, and some may leave, which means major changes, but we will do our best.

It is rumored that Chelsea has set today as the deadline for their offer for Enzo. I know you won't specifically talk about individual players, but do you expect any transfers to happen today?

Honestly, probably not today. I don't think we'll be working on any transfers today.

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