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 is taking over from one of the most successful coaches in Premier League history, stressed that he will forge his own path, even though his tactical preferences share some common ground with his predecessor. Guardiola left an extraordinary legacy at the Etihad: six league crowns, including a historic run of four consecutive titles, and the club’s first UEFA Champions League triumph. Replacing a figure of that stature is a daunting challenge for any manager, and Maresca acknowledged the weight of expectation.
Yet he rejected the notion that his appointment was merely about copying the Spanish maestro’s playbook. “Every manager is different, day by day, and in the way they approach games,” he said. “We will tweak concepts where needed.
I don’t believe in a copy‑and‑paste approach because I see football differently from the previous manager.” Maresca’s connection to City is not new. He first joined the club as an academy coach, later advancing to become Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022‑23 season – the campaign in which City completed a treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. This third spell at the club gives him an intimate understanding of its culture and identity, but he insists that his role now is to imprint his own ideas.
“I think there is a clear identity at the former clubs I have joined, and that is probably why the club chose me – they see a similar concept with the previous manager,” he explained, hinting at a shared philosophy while also emphasizing his individuality. When asked about the pressure of following Guardiola, Maresca spoke candidly about his respect for his predecessor’s workload. “I have spoken with Pep a lot since he decided to leave. 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!” he said, acknowledging the intense schedule that comes with managing a top‑level side. Guardiola, in his own final press conference back in May, offered a simple piece of advice to whoever would succeed him: “Just be yourself.” Maresca took that to heart, insisting that his aim is to make a distinct impression, independent of the achievements he enjoyed in previous roles at Leicester and Chelsea, where he also secured trophies. He is aware, however, that the demand for silverware at City is relentless.
“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 work – preparing sessions and spending time with my players,” he said.
He added that while the ultimate goal remains winning trophies, his focus will be on the present and the immediate future rather than looking ahead to May or June. “We will see day by day,” Maresma affirmed, underscoring a pragmatic, incremental approach.
The question of leadership within the squad also surfaced. When asked whether a decision had been made about who would replace Bernardo Silva as captain, Maresca replied that no final choice had been taken yet. He mentioned three potential candidates – Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland – and hinted that further deliberation was required before naming a new skipper. Analyst Ben Ransom noted that Maresca’s remarks blended familiarity with novelty.
While he praised the new manager’s admiration for Guardiola, he also highlighted Maresca’s confidence in succeeding where others, such as David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson or Unai Emery after Arsène Wenger, struggled. Maresca expressed faith in the broader City organization to navigate the inevitable hurdles of a summer of transition.
In the same press gathering, the manager addressed the status of midfielder Rodri, who is set to undergo back surgery. Maresca confirmed that Rodri will return to training once he has recovered, emphasizing that the player remains a key part of the squad despite speculation linking him with Real Madrid. “Around a big player there is always speculation, so I’m not worried about that.
He won the World Cup, he’s one of the best players, and every manager wants him. He needs rest, he needs to recover, and then he will be back with us,” Maresca said.
Overall, Maresca’s first words painted a picture of a manager who respects the achievements of his predecessor but refuses to be a mere shadow. He intends to retain the core identity that has made City successful while injecting his own ideas, focusing on daily progress, and managing the squad’s leadership and injury challenges.
The real test will be whether his philosophy translates into results on the pitch, but his confidence and clear articulation of a distinct vision suggest that Manchester City’s next chapter will be guided by a man determined to write his own story rather than copy the one that came before.