---
title: "Maresca on replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/09/19/enzo-maresca-pep-guardiola-man-city-transition/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-09-19T07:25:02Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T18:52:56Z"
---

# Maresca on replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City

**Enzo Maresca says succeeding Pep Guardiola at** [**City**](https://readmancity.com/) **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](https://readmancity.com/2026/09/17/enzo-maresca-man-city-academy-trio-promoted/) 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](https://readmancity.com/2026/09/18/enzo-maresca-floyd-samba-man-city-norwich/), 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](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-enzo-maresca-pep-guardiola-b3052402.html).

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