Enzo Maresca says succeeding Pep Guardiola at City is a privilege, although he knows the expectations that come with following one of the most successful managers in the club’s history.
Guardiola left City in the summer after 10 years in charge and Maresca returned to the Etihad Stadium to take over a very different squad.
Six wins from six in all competitions, including four in the Premier League, have given him a perfect start. Comparisons with Guardiola are inevitable, but Maresca insists they are not something he spends much time thinking about.
“For me to be in this club is a privilege and to be in this club after a legend like Pep is a privilege,” he said. “I know if I don’t win it’s a disaster, and it’s normal, but I don’t spend my day thinking who was here before and for how many years.”
Maresca focused on new-look City
Maresca previously worked under Guardiola at City but, in his view, there is little point looking back at the group he knew then.
“The players are a completely different squad,” he said. “There are three or four players from my last season here, and at the end I spend my day by day with the players so it’s something new.
“I’m happy because I can see that we’re improving.”
The changes continued this summer. Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake were among the experienced players to leave, while Guardiola’s departure ended a decade of stability in the dugout.
Maresca knew what he was walking into.
“When I decided to join the club, I was quite sure that the club is a good club, the players are good players,” he said.
“At the same time, I knew that the club was in a moment of change after ten years with the same manager and Rodri, Bernardo, John, Ake. It’s normal that there is a change, but at the same time I’m quite confident that we can do a good job.”
Part of that change has involved City’s younger players. Maresca has promoted three academy players into the first-team group and 17-year-old Floyd Samba scored twice on his senior debut against Norwich City on Thursday.
Maresca praised Samba afterwards, while making clear there is still plenty of work ahead for the youngster.
His full comments on following Guardiola and City’s summer changes can be found in The Independent.
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