Maresca determined to forge his own path after replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City
By Joel Masibo, July 25, 2026Enzo Maresca has stressed that he has no intention of becoming a “copy and paste” manager as he begins life as Manchester City’s new head coach following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Speaking publicly for the first time since officially taking charge on Friday, July 24, 2026, the Italian acknowledged the comparisons with Guardiola but insisted he will lead the Premier League champions using his own ideas rather than simply replicating the methods of his predecessor. City begin their new campaign against Bournemouth on August 23.
Maresca inherits one of football’s most demanding jobs after Guardiola’s remarkable decade at the Etihad, during which City lifted six Premier League crowns, including a historic run of four consecutive titles, as well as their maiden UEFA Champions League trophy.
Although Maresca previously worked under Guardiola and shares a similar football philosophy, he emphasized that his approach remains unique.
The 46-year-old is back at Manchester City for a third spell, having first coached in the academy before returning as Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s treble-winning 2022-23 season.
Replacing Guardiola
Addressing expectations surrounding his appointment, Maresca 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.
“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.”
Maresca also revealed that he has remained in regular contact with Guardiola since the Spaniard decided to step away from City, adding that both men now have different priorities.
“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!” he said.
Before leaving the club in May, Guardiola had been asked what advice he would offer his successor. His message was simple: “Just be yourself,” guidance that Maresca says he deeply appreciates.
The new City boss acknowledged that trophies remain the expectation at the Etihad but insisted his focus is on daily improvement rather than looking too far ahead.
“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.”
Replacing Silva
On the issue of replacing Bernardo Silva as club captain, Maresca confirmed no final decision has been made.
“Not yet. We have three players, Ruben [Dias], Rodri and Erling [Haaland]. We need some more. We will decide about that.”
The Italian also addressed Rodri’s condition, confirming the Spain midfielder is set to undergo back surgery next week. Despite ongoing speculation linking the midfielder with Real Madrid, Maresca expressed confidence that Rodri’s future remains with Manchester City.
“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.”
Rodri has not been given a timetable for his return after surgery, but Maresca expects the influential midfielder to recover fully before rejoining the squad later in the season.