Maresca sets out own identity after taking Manchester City job

Enzo Maresca says he will bring his own coaching identity to Manchester City after replacing Pep Guardiola. In his first media appearance as City manager, he rejected the idea that his role is to reproduce Guardiola’s methods without change.

The challenge is substantial: Guardiola leaves behind an era defined by six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph. Maresca knows the club’s standards are built around winning, but his message was that daily work with the squad will matter as much as the long-term target of trophies.

Maresca’s history with City adds another layer to the transition. He has previously worked in the club’s academy and later served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 treble season, so the appointment brings continuity without being a complete reset.

There are immediate football decisions ahead. City’s first match under Maresca is scheduled against Bournemouth on August 23, while Rodri is expected to undergo back surgery next week with no return date confirmed. Maresca also said the club has not yet chosen a successor to Bernardo Silva as captain, with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland among the names under consideration.