Enzo Maresca opened his inaugural press conference as the new Manchester City manager 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 that produced six Premier League crowns – including an unprecedented four‑year run – and the club’s first Champions League triumph, insists he will forge his own path while respecting the foundations already laid. Maresca, 46, returns to the Etihad for a third spell. He began his City journey as an academy coach, later becoming Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022‑23 season, a campaign that culminated in a historic treble.
Now, as the head coach, he acknowledges the enormity of the task ahead but rejects the notion that his job is merely to copy what came before. “Every manager has his own personality, his own day‑to‑day approach,” he said. “We are constantly tweaking ideas.
I don’t believe in a ‘copy‑and‑paste’ mentality. I see the game differently from the previous manager, which is why I won’t try to imitate him.” He added that each club he has joined possesses a distinct identity, and that similarity in philosophy is what attracted City’s hierarchy to him.
“There is a clear identity at every club I have worked for,” Maresca explained. “That is probably why the board felt I was a good fit – they saw a shared concept with the previous coach, but they also understand I bring my own perspective.” When asked about the pressure of succeeding one of the most successful managers in modern football, Maresca spoke candidly about his relationship with Guardiola.
“I have spoken with Pep a lot since he decided to step down,” he revealed. “He needs to enjoy his moment after ten years of playing almost every three days – it’s incredibly demanding. He deserves a break, and I respect that. My job now is to find my own solutions and give the club what it needs.” Guardiola, in his own farewell press conference back in May, offered a simple piece of advice to his successor: “Just be yourself.” Maresca echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that his ambition is to leave his own imprint on the club, independent of the accolades he achieved in previous roles at Leicester and Chelsea.
Yet he is fully aware that the expectations at City are relentless. “With a club of this stature, you have to win trophies,” he said. “If you focus only on the end goal, you miss everything that happens along the way. I love the day‑to‑day work – planning sessions, spending time with the players.
The ultimate aim is still to bring titles to Manchester, but I’m thinking about now and tomorrow, not just May or June.” The manager also addressed the captaincy question surrounding Bernardo Silva. “We haven’t made a decision yet,” Maresca admitted. “We have three strong candidates – Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland – and we’ll assess who is best suited.
More options may emerge as the season progresses.” Analyst Ben Ransom noted that while many elements of Maresca’s introduction felt familiar, there were also clear divergences from the Guardiola era. Maresca expressed admiration for his predecessor but dismissed the idea that following the best manager in the world is the toughest job in football. Instead, he framed the appointment as a privilege and an opportunity to build on an already successful platform.
He voiced confidence that he can achieve what others, such as David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson or Unai Emery after Arsène Wenger, could not – primarily because he trusts the broader City organisation to support him through inevitable challenges. The summer has already seen significant change at the club, and Maresca was quick to underline the importance of continuity where it matters.
He spoke about midfielder Rodri, who announced he would decide his future after the World Cup but is expected to return to City once he recovers from minor back surgery. Maresca confirmed that Rodri will indeed be back in the blue kit after his operation, noting that the squad still requires fine‑tuning before the transfer window closes.
The new manager’s confidence was evident in his smile and self‑assured tone, suggesting he truly believes in the next chapter of the City project. Yet he also acknowledged the practical realities of injuries. Rodri, who suffered an ACL tear 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 will manage his rehabilitation carefully, allowing him the necessary rest before re‑joining the squad.
Speculation about the future of former Ballon d’Or winner Kevin De Bruyne also surfaced. Maresca addressed the rumors directly, stating, “Around a big player there is always speculation, especially after a World Cup win.
I’m not worried about that. Every manager wants a player of his calibre. De Bruyne is recovering from surgery, needs a holiday, and once he’s rested he will be back with us.” In summary, Enzo Maresca’s first press conference painted a picture of a manager who respects the legacy he inherits but refuses to be a mere replica of his predecessor.
He emphasised a day‑by‑day approach, the importance of maintaining a clear club identity, and the need to balance immediate preparation with long‑term ambition. As the new season looms, all eyes will be on whether his philosophy translates into silverware, and whether his promise to avoid “copy‑and‑paste” will indeed reshape Manchester City’s style while preserving the winning culture that has defined the club’s recent history.