Enzo Maresca, the new Manchester City manager, has wasted no time in putting his own stamp on the club, even converting Pep Guardiola's former office into a meeting room. This symbolic act underscores his confidence in succeeding the legendary Catalan, who loomed large over the club for a decade.
Maresca's Confidence and Guardiola's Influence
Maresca, who has an elite playing career and his own coaching CV, is comfortable in his own abilities. He inherits a squad that has lost many of the players who won the Treble three years ago, but he is undaunted. He has long convinced the City hierarchy of his vision, even if fans might have preferred Vincent Kompany.
"We’ve lost Bernardo [Silva], Nathan [Ake] and John [Stones]," Maresca told the Manchester Evening News in Seoul. "They are players who were here for many years. But at the end there is always a changeover of generation. I still remember when David Silva was here – everyone was worried but there was Kevin (De Bruyne). Fernandinho left, Rodri came in. Then there was Kun [Aguero] but Erling arrived. It’s normal that there’s change."
He acknowledged the inevitable comparisons: "I know that after 10 games, if we’ve got 10 points, 20 points, 30 points, people will be comparing it to Pep after 10 games. But it is what it is. It doesn’t put pressure on me. I’ve said many times while I was at Leicester or Chelsea, he’s the best manager in the world over the last 15 or 20 years."
A Fresh Approach
Maresca has been in the privileged position of calling on Guardiola as a friend. The pair have been close since Maresca coached City's Under-23s in 2020/21, and Guardiola hosted him in Barcelona this summer, giving a full breakdown of the club. Maresca thanked his friend but wanted to form his own impressions, and Guardiola has told him not to worry about coming to different conclusions.
Maresca's fresh approach has been evident in Asia, where he spent an hour talking football with journalists—more than his predecessor did in 10 years. Players have enjoyed his training sessions and his way of speaking to them, and staff have been welcomed into the fold.
Maresca is funny away from cameras, teasing his staff, and shows he will work hard. Early impressions are strong: Erling Haaland was one of the first to message him, Phil Foden has shown signs of a returning smile, and Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic are encouraged.
Tactical Evolution
He has introduced a new way to press, with wingers pushing up on centre-backs and full-backs tracking their opposite numbers. There is more freedom for wingers, and Antoine Semenyo is relishing that prospect.
Maresca shares much of the same footballing philosophy as his predecessor, but he is adapting to the modern game. He noted the rise of set-pieces and man-to-man marking, citing examples like PSG's success against such tactics. "You need players with 1vs1 who then run with the ball," he said.
Personal Life and Squad Decisions
Off the pitch, Maresca prefers dinner at home in Cheshire with his family. He has made clear decisions on his squad: Jack Grealish is unlikely to be part of his plans, Nico O'Reilly is seen as a left-back, and Gianluigi Donnarumma will be helped to avoid errors.
City have lots to do in the transfer window, especially if Rodri joins Barcelona as expected. There is caution from fans about importing too much from Chelsea, but Maresca is seen as a perfect match for the club.
New office, new generation, new era.
