Enzo Maresca is beginning his tenure as Manchester City manager this summer, stepping into the role previously held by Pep Guardiola. Maresca, who served as an assistant during the club’s 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign, is now tasked with leading a team that flourished under one of the most successful managers in football history.
Guardiola concluded his time at the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season, leaving behind a legacy of 17 major trophies, including a Champions League title and six Premier League crowns. As the new manager, Maresca acknowledges the inevitable scrutiny he will face, though he insists he feels no undue pressure regarding comparisons to his predecessor.
“After 10 games, if we have got 10 points, 20 points, 30 points, people will be comparing it to Pep after 10 games, it doesn’t put pressure on me,” Maresca stated during a media session in Seoul. He described Guardiola as the best manager of the last two decades, noting how his tactical influence has shaped the way teams play across Europe, from Barcelona to Bayern Munich and now in England.
Addressing the difficulty of the transition, Maresca admitted that while following such a successful figure could be viewed as an “impossible job,” he considers it a significant privilege. Before finalizing his appointment, the former Chelsea boss met with Guardiola in Barcelona to gain insights from his decade-long experience at the club.
“We spent some hours together,” Maresca said, explaining that they had planned to meet during the summer break. He noted that while it was useful to pick Guardiola’s brain, he also intends to form his own perspective on the squad’s needs. “I like to go in empty sometimes to see things for myself,” he added.
To signify a fresh start for the squad, Maresca has relocated his office to the space previously occupied by former assistant Pep Lijnders. Guardiola’s former office has since been repurposed into a meeting room. This administrative shift follows a period of transition for Maresca, who apologized to Chelsea earlier this summer for the disruption caused by his mid-season exit.
During the six months between his departure from Chelsea and his arrival at City, Maresca focused on family time and professional development. He spent time with his wife and four children, while also exploring new technologies to aid his management style.
“Everyone is talking about AI, so I want to understand how it works,” Maresca revealed. He completed two masterclasses on the subject to broaden his knowledge, highlighting how even top-flight managers are now looking toward artificial intelligence to secure marginal gains.
As he prepares for his first full season in charge, Maresca understands that his success will depend on more than just technical innovation. He is now focused on navigating the challenges of the upcoming campaign as he looks to build upon the foundation left by his predecessor.
Enzo Maresca is just starting to find out this summer, having been chosen as the Spaniard’s successor at Manchester City – returning after being Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.
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