Enzo Maresca has officially begun his tenure as the manager of Manchester City, describing the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola as a significant privilege. The 46-year-old takes the helm following Guardiola’s highly successful 10-year period at the Etihad Stadium, during which the Catalan coach secured 20 trophies. Reflecting on the transition during his first press conference as manager, Maresca praised his predecessor, stating, "I've said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20, 25 years. But again, it's a challenge. It's nice. It's a privilege."
Maresca, who previously served as an assistant during City's 2022/23 treble-winning season and coached the club's elite development squad, acknowledged the historical difficulties clubs face when replacing long-serving managers. He noted that teams like Manchester United and Arsenal experienced downturns after the departures of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, respectively. However, he expressed confidence in City's organizational structure, pointing out that the club has employed only three managers in 17 years, which he considers an anomaly in modern football.
Regarding his squad, Maresca expects to begin the season with midfielder Rodri available, despite the player requiring back surgery. Addressing speculation linking the 30-year-old Spain international to Real Madrid, the manager remained unfazed. "We have to say that around big players there is always speculation," Maresca said. "I'm not worried about that. I think it's normal. Because they won the World Cup, and he was the best player or one of the best players, I think every manager wants to have Rodri. But now surgery on Monday, and he needs holiday. He needs to rest. He needs to recover and then he will be back here with us."
Maresca also touched upon his recent departure from Chelsea, which occurred amid reports of his move to City. While Chelsea were reportedly unhappy with how the exit was handled, Maresca expressed pride in his work at both Leicester and Chelsea. "I feel quite lucky in terms of my former clubs Leicester, Chelsea. I think we did a great job," he said. "In both clubs, the identity of the team was clear, the success of the team was clear, and I feel very lucky to be part of these clubs. But now we are here. That is the most important thing, just about City." The club’s recent recruitment activity remains in focus as well, following the move of England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal reported to be worth £116 million ($154 million).
The Italian also expects to begin his first season in charge of the Premier League giants with Rodri still in his squad, although the World Cup Golden Ball winner requires back surgery.
