Enzo Maresca stepped onto the podium for his inaugural press conference as the new manager of Manchester City and made one thing perfectly clear: he does not intend to be a mere replica of his predecessor. In his own words, he will not be a "copy‑and‑paste" coach.
The 46‑year‑old Italian is fully aware of the monumental challenge that lies ahead, succeeding Pep Guardiola – a manager whose tenure at the Etihad produced six Premier League crowns, including an unprecedented four‑in‑a‑row, and the club’s first Champions League trophy. Yet Maresca insists his appointment is not about mimicking Guardiola’s formula; it is about applying his own ideas while respecting the core principles that have made City successful. Maresca’s connection to the club runs deep.
He first arrived at City as an academy coach, nurturing young talent and learning the club’s philosophy from the ground up. He later progressed to become Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022‑23 season, a campaign that culminated in a historic treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
This experience gave him an intimate understanding of the inner workings of the squad, the expectations of the fans, and the high‑performance culture that permeates the organisation. Now, as head coach, he returns for a third stint, this time with full responsibility for the first team.
When asked about the pressure of following one of the most successful managers in modern football, Maresca replied: "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 there is a clear identity at the clubs he has previously worked for, the decision to appoint him at City was based on a shared vision rather than a desire to simply replicate Guardiola’s style. Maresca also addressed his relationship with Guardiola, noting that they have spoken extensively since Pep announced his departure. He praised Guardiola’s contributions and expressed a wish for the former boss to enjoy a well‑deserved break after a decade of relentless competition, saying, "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!" Guardiola, when asked in his final press conference whether he had any parting advice for his successor, responded simply: "Just be yourself." Maresca took this to heart, emphasizing that his focus will be on building his own legacy rather than living in the shadow of past achievements. He acknowledged the relentless demand for trophies at a club of City’s stature, but warned against an exclusive focus on the end goal.
"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 continued, "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." This philosophy reflects his belief in incremental progress, meticulous preparation, and a strong rapport with the squad. When questioned about the captaincy, Maresca admitted that a decision had not yet been made.
He identified three potential candidates – Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland – and hinted that further discussion would be required before a final choice is announced. This measured approach signals his intention to evaluate leadership options carefully rather than making hasty changes. Analyst Ben Ransom noted that Maresca’s first press conference was a blend of continuity and change.
While he praised the club’s existing structures, he also highlighted his confidence in succeeding where other post‑legend managers have struggled, such as David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson or Unai Emery after Arsène Wenger. Maresca’s optimism is rooted in his belief that the broader City organisation – from the boardroom to the scouting department – will support him in navigating the inevitable challenges of a transitional summer. One of the immediate issues facing the new manager is the fitness of key midfielder Rodri.
The Spanish international is set to undergo back surgery next week, a development Maresca confirmed during the briefing. Rodri, who suffered an ACL injury in 2024 and endured a disrupted season before helping Spain win the World Cup, has not been given a definitive return date.
Maresca reassured fans that the club intends to keep the former Ballon d'Or winner, despite persistent speculation linking him with Real Madrid. "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 rest. He will recover and be back with us," Maresca explained. Beyond the immediate medical concerns, Maresca outlined a broader vision for the squad.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining the tactical framework that has brought City success – high‑pressing, possession‑based football – while allowing room for individual creativity and adaptation. He spoke about refining defensive transitions, improving set‑piece efficiency, and integrating emerging talents from the academy into the senior side.
By blending experienced stars like Haaland with promising youngsters, he aims to create a balanced roster capable of competing on multiple fronts. Maresca also touched on transfer strategy, acknowledging that the window remains open and that the club will continue to strengthen where needed. He hinted at potential signings to add depth in midfield and defence, while also stressing the necessity of prudent financial management.
"We will assess the squad, identify gaps, and act accordingly. The ambition is to stay at the top, but we must also be sustainable," he said.
In summary, Enzo Maresca’s inaugural press conference painted a picture of a manager who respects the legacy of his predecessor yet is determined to forge his own path. He rejects the notion of a simple copy‑and‑paste approach, instead promising a nuanced, day‑by‑day methodology that balances immediate results with long‑term development. With a clear identity, a supportive infrastructure, and a squad that includes world‑class talent, Maresca faces the daunting task of delivering trophies while imprinting his personal philosophy on one of football’s most high‑profile clubs. The coming months will reveal whether his blend of continuity and innovation can sustain Manchester City’s dominance in English and European football.