Maresca on taking over at Manchester City
Enzo Maresca has described succeeding Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager as a privilege, while acknowledging the challenge of the role. Maresca became the club’s manager last month, and during his initial press conference, he spoke about the task of replacing Guardiola, who led the team to 17 major trophies over a decade.
Maresca noted that clubs have historically faced difficulties when long-serving managers depart, citing the experiences of Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal following Arsène Wenger. Ferguson managed United for 26 and a half years, with David Moyes taking over in May 2013. Wenger left Arsenal in May 2018 after 22 years, replaced by Unai Emery.
Despite these historical examples, Maresca expressed confidence in City’s organisational structure. He highlighted that the club has had only three managers in 17 years, including Guardiola, Manuel Pellegrini, and Roberto Mancini, which he considers an unusual level of stability. This stability, he believes, provides a strong foundation for continued success.
Player futures addressed
Maresca confirmed that Rodri is scheduled for back surgery next week, which means he is expected to miss the beginning of the season. The manager addressed speculation surrounding Rodri’s future, particularly with Real Madrid reportedly considering a move for the player. Maresca stated that speculation is common around top players, especially after Rodri’s performance in the World Cup, where Spain emerged victorious and he was recognised as a leading player.
He added that Rodri will return to the club after his recovery and a period of rest. Maresca did not offer extensive details regarding the futures of Jack Grealish and James Trafford. Grealish has returned to City following a loan spell at Everton last season, while Trafford, a second-choice goalkeeper, has attracted interest from Leeds.
Maresca indicated that Grealish is currently a Manchester City player and that it is his responsibility to coach the players belonging to the club. Regarding Trafford, Maresca mentioned he knows the goalkeeper from his time with the City Under-23s in 2020-21. He acknowledged that during the transfer window, anything can happen, but for now, Trafford remains one of City’s goalkeepers.
Pre-season preparations and philosophy
Maresca’s appointment as the men’s boss occurred in June, with him signing a three-year contract. This marks his third stint at City, having previously coached the Elite Development Squad and served as part of Guardiola’s backroom staff in 2022/23. His philosophy, he explained, is centred on winning matches, a concept he applied at his previous clubs, Leicester and Chelsea.
He aims for his team to be aggressive without the ball, control the game, and impose their ideas to secure victories. City’s pre-season training commenced earlier this week, with staff and players returning to the City Football Academy. However, due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place over the summer, some players involved in the tournament have been granted extended rest.
Maresca has expressed satisfaction with the progress observed so far, noting the involvement of several Academy players with the senior squad. He anticipates that the final group of players will join the team approximately three or four days before the Community Shield final.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
