Nico O'Reilly excited about Enzo Maresca's era at City
Manchester City star Nico O'Reilly has told Enzo Maresca he is ready to play anywhere this season, backing the new manager's era as City open their 2026-27 Premier League campaign. The England international says he is excited for the challenges ahead and willing to split time between left-back and midfield.
Nico O'Reilly's rise under Pep Guardiola has turned him into one of Manchester City's most important players. After a brace in the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal and an England call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the academy graduate now enters the Maresca era as a pivotal figure. His comments to Manchester City FC signal the flexibility City may need amid a reshaped midfield.
Key Takeaways
- Nico O'Reilly told Enzo Maresca he is "ready to play anywhere" for Manchester City this season.
- The versatile England international could split time between left-back and midfield under Maresca.
- City are short of midfield options after departures including Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
- O'Reilly may partner Elliot Anderson in midfield for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
- Gvardiol and Ait-Nouri provide left-back cover if O'Reilly shifts into the engine room.
Why is Nico O'Reilly excited about the Maresca era?
O'Reilly told mancity.com he is "excited for the challenges" ahead under Enzo Maresca. After breaking through as a left-back last season, he now views the managerial change as a chance to prove his adaptability across multiple roles.
Guardiola transformed O'Reilly from a midfielder into a powerful attacking full-back. That versatility, combined with strong technical ability, makes him a natural fit for Maresca's plans as City navigate squad changes.
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What did O'Reilly tell Enzo Maresca?
Speaking ahead of City's 2026-27 Premier League campaign, O'Reilly said he had a direct conversation with his new manager. "I had a chat with Enzo and I told him, 'I'm ready to play anywhere,'" he explained to the club's official website.
He added: "I'm able to adapt – whether that's full-back or in midfield, I'm excited for the challenges and I'm ready to play. Wherever he needs to play, I'll be ready to play there."
That willingness matters because Maresca faces uncertainty in midfield. Bernardo Silva and Rodri have left, Tijjani Reijnders is set to follow, and Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a move for Nico Gonzalez, according to reporting cited by OneFootball.
Could O'Reilly play midfield for Manchester City?
Yes — and sources close to the story suggest it may happen soon. O'Reilly developed as a midfielder in City's academy and started in that role on multiple occasions under Guardiola last season. Analysts note his technical quality and physical presence could complement Elliot Anderson in a double pivot.
With Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri able to cover left-back, shifting O'Reilly into midfield is described as a move with "plenty of merit." City remain linked with midfield signings such as Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez, but new arrivals may not be ready for Sunday's home opener against Bournemouth.
Will O'Reilly start against Bournemouth?
Manchester City kick off their 2026-27 Premier League season at the Etihad against Bournemouth on Sunday. With limited midfield options, Elliot Anderson is expected to start, and O'Reilly is tipped to slot alongside him rather than Mateo Kovacic, who struggled in a recent pre-season outing against Arsenal.
Some reports suggest Maresca could even field an athletic midfield trio of Anderson, O'Reilly and Phil Foden. Either way, O'Reilly's pledge to play wherever needed underscores how central he has become to City's plans in the Maresca era.