Enzo Maresca Rejects Copying Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Enzo Maresca emphasized that he will not simply imitate Pep Guardiola's style after being appointed as Manchester City's new manager.

The Italian coach is determined to build his own identity despite replacing a figure who successfully led the Citizens to numerous titles.

"I think every coach is different, both in their daily work style and their approach to matches. We will see what concepts need to be adjusted. I don't believe in copying and pasting. I see football differently from the previous coach," Maresca said on the club's official website on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Maresca replaces Guardiola, who ended his time with Manchester City after 10 successful years. During the decade, the Spanish coach delivered six Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, three FA Cups, and one Club World Cup.

Before being appointed to lead City, Maresca served as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022/23 season.

The 46-year-old coach also revealed that he has maintained regular contact with Guardiola since his mentor's decision to leave the Etihad Stadium.

"He deserves some time to rest. Meanwhile, I have to focus on my own work," he said.

Maresca arrived at Manchester City with a fairly convincing track record. During his 18 months in charge of Chelsea, he delivered two trophies: the 2024/25 Conference League and the Club World Cup, defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Now, he realizes the demands at Manchester City are to win titles in all competitions. However, Maresca emphasized that his primary focus is building the team day by day before thinking about the final result at the end of the season.

"Ultimately, we want to win titles. But right now, I'm only focused on what needs to be done today," Maresca said.

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