Former Manchester City Defender Questions Enzo Maresca's Structure Amid Ongoing Problems

Former Manchester City Defender Questions Enzo Maresca's Structure Amid Ongoing Problems What are Man City fans expecting from the 2026-27 season? City entered the November international break off the back of three Premier League defeats - against Aston Villa , Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest - as Maresca navigates his side's first blip in form since the Italian succeeded Pep Guardiola as manager in June. The Blues started the 2026-27 campaign in blistering form, winning their first seven Premier League games and showing all the early signs of a squad that could pose a strict challenge to reigning champions Arsenal for the league title. However, Manchester City 's backline has struggled for form of late and Gianluigi Donnarumma has also been letting in goals for fun, leading to subdued run of form for the Blues in the league in the last month. Maresca has defended Donnarumma and co but admitted that there are problems he needs to solve in the international break, with City returning to action at the Etihad Stadium against Fulham on Saturday 21 November. In an interview with  Betway , former Manchester City and England defender Joleon Lescott gave his two cents on the Sky Blues' chances in the Premier League title race. "City aren't on a great run at the moment, but I've seen enough from them to know they'll pick up the pace again at some point," Lescott said. "My only concern with regards to the Premier League title for City is whether Arsenal will fall off with the lead they now have. "Teams can go on runs, but I don't see Arsenal losing three games on the bounce any time soon, and those games against Arsenal for City are now must-wins for me. "As I say, there's enough there for Manchester City to win games and go on a run, but they just aren't doing it consistently at the moment." Why are Man City struggling in defence this season? Continuing in his discussion, Lescott was also able to put his finger on what he believes are the root causes of City's ongoing defensive problems, as Maresca's rearguard continues to concede goals at an alarming rate. "When we talk about teams conceding goals, we put the blame on the defenders usually, but it isn't that for Manchester City in my opinion," the former centre-half added. "I think it's the structure of the whole team, and the way they are set up, which is exposing a few players, and some of the defenders are having to defend in areas of the pitch they don't want to be. "You want to be compact and protected as a defender, and City haven't quite clicked on that front under Enzo Maresca yet, but I do think they'll only improve as time goes on." What have the last few months been like for Maresca and Man City? The backdrop in which Maresca and his troops have played since early October has been unprecedented. On September 29, an independent panel revealed finally that Manchester City had been found guilty of 114 of their 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules during 2009-18. City have been found guilty of artificially inflating sponsor revenue in that nine-year period, though the club have vehemently denied the verdict and moved to file a formal appeal against the same on October 1. In their first game following the verdict and appeal, Manchester City sent a message of intent to one and all rooting for their downfall as a dominant second-half display at Anfield secured a 3-0 victory against Liverpool for the Blues. However, since they tasted their first defeat of the 2026-27 season against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League at the Etihad Stadium, City have been found out time and again in the Premier League. Three losses in as many league outings has seen the Blues fall six points behind Arsenal, who built their 2025-26 title crown on the foundation of a flawless backline and continue to pick up win after win courtesy of their pragmatic style of football under Mikel Arteta.