Enzo Maresca has vowed not to be a “copy and paste” coach in his first press conference since succeeding Pep Guardiola as Man City manager.
The Italian has the near-impossible task of following Guardiola, whose record-breaking spell at the Etihad contained six Premier League titles – including an unprecedented four in a row – and a first Champions League medal.
But Maresca insists he has not joined City solely to emulate the Spaniard’s success, promising to do “my job, in the way I want”, despite accepting the similarities between his preferred playing style and that of his predecessor.
The 46-year-old is returning for his third stint at the club, where he held a role as an academy coach before then graduating to Guardiola’s assistant in 2022-23 – the season City won the treble.
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Responding to the pressure of following Guardiola, he said: “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.
Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola go back a long way – before the Italian was announced as his successor at Man City
“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.
“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 10 years, playing every three days, it is very demanding. He deserves a relax!”
Guardiola himself was asked in his final news conference as City boss back in May if he had a parting message to his successor, whoever that might be. “Just be yourself,” he replied, advice greatly valued by the new man in charge.
Maresca wants to make his own impression, independent even of the impact he made in prior spells, but understands the pressure and demand to deliver trophies at City is no less relentless.
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Phil Foden says he’s excited play under Enzo Maresca and is ‘lost for words’ to be able to extend his contract with Manchester City for another four years
“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.”
Asked if he has made a decision on who will replace Bernardo Silva as captain, he added: “Not yet. We have three players, Ruben [Dias], Rodri and Erling [Haaland]. We need some more. We will decide about that.”
Measured Maresca confident of succeeding where others have failed
Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year deal at Man City
Analysis from Ben Ransom at Maresca’s first press conference:
So much was different but then again, so much was the same.
Enzo Maresca slotted seamlessly into the chair left vacant by Pep Guardiola and spoke of his admiration for his former boss.
He rejected my assertion it was the toughest job in the world to follow the best manager, instead focusing on the privilege of being afforded the opportunity.
He believes he can succeed where the likes of David Moyes (post-Ferguson) and Unai Emery (post-Wenger) failed, his confidence placed in the wider Man City organisation to overcome the inevitable challenges.
It’s already been a summer of huge transition, but Maresca was quick to impress upon the gathered press pack his desire for some things to remain the same.
Rodri said he would decide his future once the World Cup had finished but his new manager is expecting him back in City blue once he’s recovered from minor back surgery. The squad will still need work before the end of the transfer window.
But you could tell from the smile and the self-confidence of Maresca’s first address that he fully believes in the next stage of the City project. It’s now up to him to show the world he can back up his words.
Rodri to undergo surgery
Rodri will undergo surgery on a back injury next week
Rodri will undergo back surgery next week, Maresca also confirmed on Friday.
The midfielder, who sustained ACL damage in 2024 and endured an injury-disrupted campaign before winning the World Cup with Spain this summer, has not been given a return date.
Maresca did, however, confirm that he wanted the former Ballon d’Or winner to stay at Man City amid speculation about his future and links to 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 on, I think Monday, and he needs holiday. He needs to rest, he needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.”