Maresca embraces challenge of following Guardiola at Manchester City

Enzo Maresca says taking over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City is an honour and a major challenge, but not one he is approaching with fear. The former City assistant has returned to the Etihad after Guardiola’s decade-long spell in charge.

Maresca acknowledged how difficult it can be for clubs to move on from era-defining managers, pointing to the post-Sir Alex Ferguson and post-Arsene Wenger transitions as examples. His comments suggest City are conscious of the scale of the handover, but also want continuity from someone who already understands the club environment.

Rodri’s future was another focus of the discussion. The midfielder has been linked with Real Madrid, but Maresca played down concern over speculation around elite players and said he expects Rodri to return to City after planned back surgery, rest and recovery.

City have already made a major midfield addition with Elliot Anderson arriving from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116m. ESPN also reports interest in further strengthening, including in midfield and at right-back, with Maresca indicating that more movement before the deadline remains possible.