As the Premier League season approaches, former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has offered his perspective on three of the division's most intriguing storylines: City's transition after Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso's opportunity at Chelsea, and Arsenal's task of defending their league crown.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Hart addressed the challenges facing new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca, who takes charge following Guardiola's decade-long spell of dominance at the Etihad. Maresca's start to life in the role was far from ideal, with City suffering a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff.
The Italian has already been busy in the transfer market, breaking the English transfer record to sign midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m. However, the club appears set to lose World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri to Barcelona, even as talks continue to bring in 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85.6m. City are also said to retain interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.
Despite the upheaval, Hart believes internal expectations at the club remain measured.