Enzo Maresca opened his inaugural press conference as the new manager of Manchester City with a clear statement: he will not simply replicate Pep Guardiola’s methods. The Italian, who steps into the role after Guardiola’s historic tenure, emphasized that his approach will be distinct, even though he acknowledges certain stylistic similarities. Maresca, 46, is no stranger to the Etihad; he began his career at the club as an academy coach, later serving as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022‑23 season when City secured a historic treble. Now, as the head coach, he faces the daunting task of following one of the most successful managers in modern football.
Guardiola left the club after six Premier League crowns, including an unprecedented four‑in‑a‑row, and a first‑ever Champions League triumph. The bar is set incredibly high, and the media often label the job as the toughest in the world. Maresca, however, framed the situation as a privilege rather than a burden.
He said, “Every manager is different, day by day and approach to games. We are seeing which way we need to tweak some concepts.
I don’t think they just copy and paste. I don’t see the football in the same way as the previous manager, that is why I don’t believe in copy and paste.” He went on to explain that while City’s identity is strong, he intends to imprint his own philosophy on the squad.
“I think there is a clear identity at the former clubs I have joined. That is probably the reason the club decided for me, they can see a similar concept with the previous manager,” he remarked, suggesting that the board recognised a shared vision but also trusts Maresca to evolve it. Maresca also addressed his relationship with Guardiola, noting that the former boss has been supportive during the transition.
“I have spoken with Pep a lot since he decided to leave the club. He needs to enjoy his moment and I also need to do my job and find a solution for myself. After ten years, playing every three days, it is very demanding.
He deserves a relax!” The outgoing manager, when asked for advice at his own farewell press conference, simply told his successor to “just be yourself,” a piece of counsel that Maresca appears to have taken to heart. The new manager’s focus, however, is not solely on philosophical differences. He stressed the importance of day‑to‑day work, player development, and maintaining a winning mentality. “With this kind of club, you need to win titles.
But if you just focus on the final target, you miss all the previous parts. I am a manager who loves the day by day. Preparing sessions and spending time with my players. At the end, for sure, the target is to win titles with this club.
The two previous clubs – Leicester and Chelsea – we delivered and won titles. I am not thinking about May or June, I am thinking about now and tomorrow. We will see day by day.” When pressed about the captaincy, Maresca admitted that a decision had not yet been made.
He highlighted three senior figures – Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland – as potential candidates, adding that the leadership group would be evaluated as the season progresses. Analysts such as Ben Ransom noted that Maresca’s remarks blended continuity with change. While he praised the existing structure and the club’s ambition, he also signalled a desire to retain certain elements that have proven successful. Ransom observed, “He rejected my assertion it was the toughest job in the world to follow the best manager, instead focusing on the privilege of being afforded the opportunity.” Maresca’s first press conference also touched on squad health and transfer matters.
He confirmed that midfielder Rodri, who suffered an ACL injury in 2024 and subsequently missed much of the season, will undergo back surgery next week. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s return, Maresca expressed confidence that the player will rejoin the squad after a period of rest and rehabilitation. “Around a big player, there are always speculation so I’m not worried about that.
I think it’s normal also because he won the World Cup. He was one of the best players and I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he’s a top player. But now he has surgery and needs holiday, he needs to rest, he needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.” The manager also addressed rumors linking Haaland to Real Madrid, stating that speculation is inevitable for a player of his stature but emphasizing his commitment to keeping the striker at City. Maresca’s calm handling of transfer gossip reflects his broader strategy: maintain focus on the present tasks while navigating the inevitable media frenzy that surrounds a club of City’s magnitude.
Beyond the immediate concerns, Maresca hinted at a longer‑term vision for the club. He spoke about nurturing young talent, integrating academy prospects into the first team, and preserving the high‑pressing, possession‑based style that has become synonymous with City football. Yet, he stressed that tactical tweaks will be made to suit the strengths of the current squad and to adapt to evolving opposition strategies.
In summary, Enzo Maresca’s debut press conference painted a picture of a manager who respects the legacy of Pep Guardiola but refuses to be a mere replica. He aims to blend the proven identity of Manchester City with his own ideas, focusing on daily preparation, player welfare, and a clear pathway to trophies. The coming months will test his ability to translate these principles into results, but his confidence, combined with the club’s resources, suggests that the next chapter of City’s story could be both familiar and refreshingly new.