Enzo Maresca stepped onto the podium for his inaugural press conference as the new Manchester City manager and made it clear that he does not intend to simply replicate Pep Guardiola's methods. The 46‑year‑old Italian, who has just taken over from one of the most successful coaches in Premier League history, emphasized that his approach will be distinct, even though he acknowledges certain stylistic overlaps with his predecessor. Maresca faces a monumental challenge.
Guardiola left the Etihad after a record‑breaking era that produced six league crowns, including an unprecedented four‑in‑a‑row, and the club’s first ever UEFA Champions League triumph. Few managers have ever been asked to follow such a dominant figure, and the expectations at City are relentless. Yet Maresca insisted that his appointment is not about mimicking the Spanish tactician. "I will do my job in the way I want," he said, adding that while he respects the footballing philosophy that has become synonymous with City, he does not believe in a simple "copy and paste" mentality.
Having returned to the club for a third spell, Maresca’s history with Manchester City runs deep. He first joined the academy as a youth coach, later progressing to become Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022‑23 season, a campaign that culminated in a historic treble. This background gives him intimate knowledge of the club’s culture, training routines, and the high standards expected by both the board and the supporters.
Nevertheless, he stressed that each manager brings a unique personality and daily approach to the game. "Every manager is different, day by day and approach to games," he explained. "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." Maresca also highlighted the importance of identity. He believes that every club he has worked for possesses a clear footballing DNA, and that City recognized a similarity between his ideas and those of the outgoing coach, which helped secure his appointment.
"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 said. When asked about his relationship with Guardiola after the Spaniard’s departure, Maresca was candid.
He noted that he had spoken with Pep frequently in the weeks leading up to the handover and expressed empathy for the former boss’s need for a break after a decade of relentless competition. "He needs to enjoy his moment and I also need to do my job and find a solution for myself. After 10 years, playing every three days, it is very demanding.
He deserves a relax!" Maresca added. Guardiola, in his own final press conference back in May, offered a simple piece of advice to his successor: "Just be yourself." Maresca took that counsel to heart, insisting that he wants to carve out his own legacy at City, independent of the accolades he earned during his previous spells at Leicester and Chelsea.
However, he is fully aware that the pressure to deliver silverware remains as intense as ever. Maresca’s philosophy centers on the day‑to‑day work rather than fixating solely on end‑of‑season targets.
"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," he said.
He reiterated that while trophies are the ultimate objective, his immediate focus is on the present and the near future: "I am not thinking about May or June, I am thinking about now and tomorrow. We will see day by day." The new boss also addressed the captaincy question, confirming that no decision had yet been made regarding who will replace Bernardo Silva as club captain.
He mentioned three potential candidates—Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland—and hinted that further deliberation is required before a final choice is announced. Analyst Ben Ransom noted that Maresca’s first press conference was a blend of continuity and change.
While the Italian praised Guardiola and acknowledged the club’s existing framework, he also positioned himself as a fresh voice capable of navigating the challenges that have stymied other post‑legend successors such as David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson or Unai Emery after Arsène Wenger. Maresca expressed confidence in the broader City organization to support his vision and help him overcome inevitable obstacles. The summer has already seen significant turnover at the club, and Maresca was quick to stress that certain elements must remain stable. He spoke about midfielder Rodri, who is expected to return after undergoing back surgery, and reassured fans that the player will be back in the blue kit once he has recovered.
Maresca also touched on the speculation surrounding Haaland’s future, stating that big‑name players inevitably attract rumors, especially after a World Cup triumph, but that the club’s focus remains on ensuring their health and performance. In summary, Enzo Maresca’s inaugural remarks painted a picture of a manager who respects the legacy he inherits yet refuses to be a mere replica of Guardiola.
He aims to blend the club’s established identity with his own tactical nuances, emphasizing daily preparation, player welfare, and a measured approach to achieving the ultimate goal of winning titles. The coming months will reveal whether his philosophy translates into success on the pitch, but his confidence and clear communication have already set a tone of optimism for the next chapter of Manchester City’s storied history.