Maresca's Man City: 'Fantastic' Feeling — Confidence or Carefully-Curated Calm?

Enzo Maresca’s post-training line — that the "feeling is fantastic" among the Manchester City squad — landed like a statement of intent rather than a throwaway compliment. It’s an attempt to codify mood into momentum, signalling unity after a period of transition. Journalists will copy the soundbite; the squad will need to convert it into performance on Saturday.

Beneath the gloss there are tangible reasons for optimism: sharper pressing patterns, clearer role definitions and visible buy-in from key figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. Maresca has injected a renewed tactical clarity that suits City’s technical spine, while younger players are being given structured pathways to minutes rather than token appearances. When preparation matches personnel, confidence becomes a weapon rather than a cover story.

Still, the Guru remains cautious. The Premier League and Champions League calendar will test depth and resolve — injuries, form dips and fixture congestion are unforgiving. Opponents will probe the new manager’s ideas, and early-season euphoria has a habit of evaporating under real pressure; squad harmony must be resilient, not brittle.

The Guru’s verdict: this "fantastic" feeling is a necessary foundation but not a guarantee. Expect Manchester City to open strongly and compete at the top domestically, but I recommend targeted reinforcements and ruthless rotation to sustain the charge — prove the mood with silverware, or it will be remembered as a pleasant prelude. My prediction: City will be title contenders and reach the latter stages of Europe, provided Maresca keeps hunger higher than headlines.