New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says it is both a privilege and a challenge to succeed Pep Guardiola, as he prepares to lead the Premier League champions into a new era following the Spaniard’s decade-long reign at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking during his first press conference on Friday, the Italian paid tribute to Guardiola, describing him as one of the greatest football managers of the modern era.
“I’ve said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20, 25 years,” Maresca said. “But again, it’s a challenge. It’s nice. It’s a privilege.”
Maresca was appointed after Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season, bringing to a close an extraordinary 10-year spell that delivered 20 major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
The 46-year-old acknowledged the difficulty of replacing legendary managers, pointing to the struggles experienced by Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and Arsenal following Arsène Wenger’s departure.
“The history of following a manager with many years in the same club always struggled a little bit- after Sir Alex, after Arsene,” he said. “It’s a challenge to try to do the right things immediately for this organisation, for the fans, for everyone.”
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Maresca is no stranger to Manchester City, having previously coached the club’s Elite Development Squad before serving as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s historic treble-winning campaign in the 2022/23 season.
He believes the club’s strong structure and stability provide the perfect platform for continued success.
“I think the organisation is the main thing,” he said. “This club, this organisation, they had three managers in 17 years. This is not normal, it doesn’t happen often.”
“So, this is probably one of the reasons that I’m confident we can do a great job.”
The Italian was speaking a day after England midfielder Elliot Anderson completed his reported £116 million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City.
Rodri Expected to Stay Despite Surgery
Maresca also addressed speculation surrounding Spain midfielder Rodri, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as he enters the final year of his contract.
The City boss insisted he expects the Ballon d’Or contender to remain at the club despite requiring back surgery.
“We have to say that around big players there is always speculation,” Maresca said. “I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal.”
“Because they won the World Cup, and he was the best player or one of the best players, I think every manager wants to have Rodri.”
“But now surgery on Monday, and he needs holiday. He needs to rest. He needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.”
Maresca also brushed aside questions about his departure from Chelsea, where reports suggested club officials were unhappy with the manner of his exit.
“I feel quite lucky in terms of my former clubs- Leicester, Chelsea- I think we did a great job,” he said.
“In both clubs, the identity of the team was clear, the success of the team was clear, and I feel very lucky to be part of these clubs.”
“But now we are here. That is the most important thing, just about City. Nothing to add.”
As Manchester City begin life after Guardiola, Maresca faces the daunting task of maintaining one of football’s most successful dynasties while forging his own identity at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
