The Champions League is back tomorrow night, but City have hardly had a quiet Monday while preparing for Porto.
City head to the Estádio do Dragão with three wins from three in the Premier League and plenty still being discussed after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Coventry. There have been records, transfer links, an intriguing academy project and, inevitably, more talk about those 115 charges.
Here’s what we’ve been talking about today.
Anderson is already in the record books
Elliot Anderson has only played three Premier League games for City, but he’s already managed something no English midfielder has done since Opta’s records began in 2003/04.
The 23-year-old completed 146 passes against Coventry, beating the previous mark of 144 set by Jordan Henderson. Anderson also had 178 touches during City’s 1-0 win.
We’ve taken a closer look at Anderson’s extraordinary numbers against Coventry.
City are getting AI involved at the academy
This was probably the most interesting City story of the day. Academy director Thomas Krucken has revealed details of a new AI project designed to help City’s youngsters understand where they need to improve to reach first-team level.
The Future Player 2.0 trial uses position-specific data, meaning a winger such as Ryan McAidoo can compare elements of his game with Jérémy Doku or Antoine Semenyo.
We’ve looked at how City are using AI to help their academy players make the next step.
Bernstein has his say on City’s £440m summer
Former City chairman David Bernstein has questioned how the club can spend around £440million in one transfer window while the Premier League’s 115 charges remain unresolved.
City continue to deny the allegations and there has still been no verdict following the conclusion of the independent commission hearing in December 2024.
Bernstein’s comments brought the wait itself back into focus. Three-and-a-half years after the charges were announced, there is still no answer. We’ve had our say on Bernstein’s criticism and the long wait for a verdict.
Pacho is one to keep an eye on
Even with the transfer window closed, the rumours haven’t completely disappeared.
City have reportedly compiled a scouting report on PSG centre-back Willian Pacho and had scouts watching the Ecuador international against Lille. There’s no deal on the table and PSG have just handed Pacho a contract until 2031.
We’ve taken a look at City’s reported interest in Pacho.
Even City training sounds different now
And finally, something considerably lighter.
Music is now being played through speakers during first-team training at the City Football Academy. It wasn’t something Pep Guardiola did, according to the Manchester Evening News, so Maresca’s sessions now quite literally have a different soundtrack.
We’ve looked at one of the smaller changes Maresca has made at City. Who controls the playlist remains unclear.
Next stop: Porto
Tomorrow brings rather more serious business.
City open their Champions League campaign away to Porto at 8pm, with Maresca and one of his players due to speak to the media in Portugal at 8.10 tonight. Jérémy Doku is sidelined with a calf problem, while Nico O’Reilly will need assessing after hurting his back during the warm-up before Coventry.
Our City injury and fitness tracker has the latest ahead of Porto. Three league games, three wins. Tomorrow we find out how Maresca’s new-look City begin their European campaign.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
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