Man City warned against hitting 'panic button' on Enzo Maresca

Manchester City must avoid "panicking" over Enzo Maresca despite a shaky start at the Etihad Stadium.

That is the opinion of experienced former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 46-year-old replaced Pep Guardiola in charge of the Citizens at the start of July, after the legendary boss called time on his decade in the dugout.

Maresca saw his first game in charge end in defeat on Sunday at the hands of Arsenal, with Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard all finding the net.

There were chances for Man City but it was relatively comprehensive for the Gunners, who highlighted several weaknesses.

More new signings are expected to arrive at the Etihad Stadium in the coming days, with Rodri set to join Barcelona.

'David Moyes won the Community Shield at Man United'

Maresca is facing a battle fought and lost by several who came before him. The challenge of replacing a long-term manager is an incredibly difficult one.

David Moyes tried and failed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson, Unai Emery could not replace Arsene Wenger.

Arne Slot did win the Premier League after replacing Jurgen Klopp, but he did not survive a second campaign.

"Now, is this a thing where Pep's gone, new manager comes in? I'm very sceptical about this, to be honest," King told Football Insider.

"I feel that when David Moyes went to Man United, Man United panicked. You know, let's be fair - David Moyes won the Community Shield at United, and he probably made one of the best signings for Man United, [Juan] Mata, when he brought him in.

"The panic button, newspapers, football clubs. Ever since Fergie went, up until [Michael] Carrick, even [Jose] Mourinho. I mean, Mourinho won trophies there. He won the League Cup.

"Look at him at Tottenham. He got Tottenham to the League Cup final, and the Wednesday before the Sunday, they sacked him.

"Clubs hit panic mode when results and certain players are not happy. A lot of it comes down to injuries as well. What can you do if your best teams dissipate because your best players are getting injured?

"You can't do anything about it. But you get the blame when you're managing. You get the blame. That's the trouble."

Rodri exit to provide further struggle

In a double blow, it emerged shortly after Sunday's game that a deal had been agreed that would see Rodri join Barcelona.

Man City have secured up to £61m for a 30-year-old in the last year of his contract, but the midfielder was arguably their most important player.

"I wouldn't have sold him. If ever a team needed somebody of that quality, it was them on Sunday," King said.

"Never mind good money, he was voted the best player in the World Cup. And they'll struggle without him now, again."