Enzo Maresca stepped onto the podium for his inaugural press conference as the new manager of Manchester City, making it clear that he intends to forge his own path rather than simply replicate Pep Guardiola's methods. The Italian, now 46, inherits a club that has been transformed into a modern footballing powerhouse under Guardiola, who amassed six Premier League crowns—including an unprecedented four‑year streak—along with a historic Champions League triumph. While Maresca acknowledges the high bar set by his predecessor, he insists his mandate is to "do my job, in the way I want" and that City will not be subject to a mechanical copy‑and‑paste approach.
Maresca’s relationship with the club is not brand‑new. He first arrived at the Etihad as a youth‑team coach, later moving up to become part of Guardiola’s backroom staff for the 2022‑23 season, a campaign that culminated in a domestic treble. This third spell at City gives him a unique perspective on the institution’s culture, its expectations, and the tactical philosophy that has become synonymous with the sky‑blue shirt. Yet, when asked about the pressure of succeeding one of the most successful managers in recent history, Maresda 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 each club he has worked for, City’s board chose him because they saw a certain alignment with the existing style, not because they wanted a carbon copy of Guardiola’s playbook. "I think there is a clear identity at the former clubs I have joined. That is probably the reason the club decide for me, they can see a similar concept with the previous manager," he said.
Maresca also addressed the human side of the transition. He noted that he has spoken extensively with Guardiola since the Spaniard announced his departure, acknowledging the toll of a decade‑long tenure that saw the team play three games a week on average. "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, underscoring his respect for the outgoing boss while emphasizing his own responsibility to shape the future. When Guardiola was asked at his own farewell press conference what advice he would give his successor, he simply said, "Just be yourself." That counsel resonated with Maresca, who wants to leave his own imprint on the club, independent of the successes he achieved in previous roles at Leicester and Chelsea. He is acutely aware, however, that the expectation to win trophies 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. Preparing sessions and spending time with my players. At the end, for sure, the target is to win titles with this club," he explained.
Maresca’s vision is decidedly incremental. He stressed that his focus is on the present and the immediate future rather than the distant climax of a season. "I am not thinking about May or June, I am thinking about now and tomorrow. We will see day by day," he said, highlighting a philosophy that values continuous improvement, player development, and tactical adaptability.
The new boss also fielded a question about the captaincy, specifically who might succeed Bernardo Silva. He admitted that a decision has not yet been made, noting that three senior figures—Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland—are in the running, and that the club may look beyond them if needed. "Not yet. We have three players, Ruben, Rodri and Erling.
We need some more. We will decide about that," Maresca answered. Analyst Ben Ransom summed up the press conference by noting that while many details were new, the overarching narrative felt familiar: Maresca slipped into the vacant chair with confidence, praised Guardiola, and rejected the notion that his job was the toughest in the world, instead framing it as a privilege.
He expressed belief that he could succeed where other post‑legend managers—such as David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson or Unai Emery after Arsène Wenger—had struggled, placing his faith in the broader City infrastructure to navigate inevitable challenges. Maresca also touched on the squad’s health issues.
Midfielder Rodri, who underwent back surgery after the World Cup, will be out for a period, and Maresca confirmed that the club will manage his recovery carefully. He reassured fans that despite speculation linking the Spanish international to Real Madrid, the manager expects Rodri to return to City once he is fully fit. "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.
In addition to addressing the immediate concerns of captaincy and injuries, Maresca hinted at upcoming transfer activity, acknowledging that the squad will still need reinforcement before the window closes. He emphasized that while the club’s identity will remain a cornerstone, there will be room for tactical tweaks and new ideas that reflect his own footballing philosophy.
Overall, Maresca’s first words as Manchester City manager painted a picture of a man who respects the legacy he inherits but is determined to add his own chapters. He promises a blend of continuity and innovation, daily focus and long‑term ambition, and a willingness to adapt rather than merely imitate. The real test will come on the pitch, where his ideas must translate into results, but for now, the new boss appears confident that he can guide the club through its next phase while preserving the high standards that have become synonymous with the City name.