Ahead of City‘s Champions League opener against Porto tonight, Matheus Nunes has been discussing the changing of the guard at the Etihad following Enzo Maresca’s arrival.
Speaking to Gabriel Clarke ahead of Prime Video’s coverage of the game, the Portuguese international discussed life after Pep Guardiola, the fresh energy Maresca has brought and the responsibility now falling on City’s established players to help the club’s new arrivals settle.
Here are his thoughts in full.
What has Enzo Maresca already brought to Manchester City?
“Energy. He’s brought a lot of energy into the team, and his ideas are very good.”
What defines the challenge of following Pep?
“I think it’s a top opportunity. Maresca came with a lot of enthusiasm, and he knows the standards of the club as he was here before and won everything with the club. He’s got everything he needs to succeed, and I hope this season shows it.”
What best describes Pep: obsessive, the greatest, genius?
“All of them. If I had to choose one in particular, the greatest.”
What’s it been like in the dressing room not hearing Pep’s voice?
“Well, the chapter has now come to an end, so we try not to think about it or pay attention to it. A lot of things have been going on at the club, we’ve had new players come in, and there’s a lot more we need to think about at the moment.”
How would you define what needs to happen at City now?
“Now we need to help the new players settle in, learn what they’re like on a daily basis and on the pitch, get some chemistry with them, which is important, and pass on the identity of the club to them. The old players and staff that have been here for a long time have that responsibility now, and the sooner we do that, the better.”
Do you sense a fresh energy?
“Yes, definitely. There is new energy everywhere. It feels like a young energy, but it’s a very good feeling to have.”
What is Enzo’s model, what does he want and how does he want you all to play?
“Made to win. I think he has that mentality. He wants us to control the game, score goals and not concede. That is why the club has chosen him to be the manager and represent the city and club. I think they’ve made the best choice they could have made.”
What would you say is Enzo’s key strength?
“Tactical, man management, motivation, a bit of everything. I have been noticing all of these things in his management. He has everything a manager should have and, despite still being at the beginning of his career, I feel he is ready for everything.”
Will Manchester City’s tactical play be modified naturally by the new manager?
“We are still learning, of course. It’s a process and it doesn’t change overnight. However, I feel like from a tactical sense, he is the same as Pep. He wants to control the game and ensure we concede as little as we can. This is the DNA of the club. It’s been like this since Pep arrived and even before, but Pep made an image of doing this over a longer period.”
Nunes and City begin their Champions League campaign at the Estádio do Dragão tonight, with Maresca taking charge of the club in the competition for the first time.
Matheus Nunes was speaking to Gabriel Clarke ahead of Prime Video’s UEFA Champions League coverage of Porto vs. Manchester City.
Porto v Manchester City is live on Prime Video this evening. For kick-off time and further viewing information, take a look at our Porto v City TV guide.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
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