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 blueprint. The Italian, who has taken over from the record‑breaking Spaniard, emphasized that while he respects the work that has been done at the Etihad, his own approach will be distinct and tailored to his own ideas. Guardiola’s tenure at City was nothing short of historic: six Premier League crowns, including an unprecedented four‑in‑a‑row, a domestic treble and finally a Champions League triumph that had eluded the club for decades. Following such a period of sustained excellence is often described as the toughest job in football, yet Maresca rejected that label.
He said he feels privileged to be given the opportunity and that his focus is on doing "my job, in the way I want" rather than acting as a carbon copy of his predecessor. The 46‑year‑old returned to Manchester City for a third spell, having previously worked as an academy coach before being promoted to Guardiola’s assistant for the 2022‑23 season, the campaign that produced the historic treble.
He acknowledged the similarities between his preferred style of play and the possession‑heavy, high‑pressing football that has become synonymous with City, but insisted that the nuances matter. "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 hinted at why the club chose him, noting that his past appointments have shown a clear identity that aligns with City’s philosophy.
"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, suggesting a shared vision rather than a wholesale duplication. When asked about his relationship with Guardiola after the Spaniard’s departure, Maresca replied with a mixture of respect and practicality.
"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 comment underscored the demanding nature of modern top‑flight management and the need for both men to move on. Guardiola, in his own final press conference back in May, offered a simple piece of advice to his successor: "Just be yourself." Maresca appears to have taken that to heart, insisting that his own imprint on the club will be measured not only by trophies but by the day‑to‑day development of his squad. "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," Maresca asserted, highlighting his belief in incremental progress and player relationships.
He was also pressed on the captaincy issue after Bernardo Silva’s departure. Maresda replied that a decision had not yet been made, noting that the leadership group currently includes Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland, and that further deliberation would follow. Analyst Ben Ransom summed up the press conference by observing that while many details were new, the overall narrative felt familiar. Maresca slipped into the role left vacant by Guardiola with confidence, expressing admiration for his predecessor while rejecting the notion that the job was the hardest in the world.
Instead, he framed it as a privilege and an opportunity to build on an already strong foundation. The new manager also addressed the status of key players. Mid‑fielder Rodri, who had announced he would decide his future after the World Cup, is expected to return to City once he recovers from a minor back operation. Maresca confirmed that the club intends to keep the former Ballon d’Or winner, despite ongoing 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, he needs holiday, he needs to rest, he needs to recover and then he will be back here with us," Maresca said.
Maresca’s first words painted a picture of optimism tempered with realism. He recognised the massive transition the club has undergone over the summer, yet he also emphasized continuity in areas he believes should stay the same.
The squad still faces work ahead of the transfer window’s close, and the manager’s confidence will be tested as he translates his philosophy into results on the pitch. In summary, Enzo Maresca’s debut press conference set the tone for his tenure at Manchester City: a blend of reverence for the past, a clear statement of personal identity, and a commitment to day‑by‑day development that aims to keep the club at the summit of English and European football.