No Hesitation for Maresca
Enzo Maresca has made it clear that replacing Pep Guardiola was never going to daunt him. The new City boss says he jumped at the chance to take over from the man who defined a decade of dominance at the Etihad, and he is not about to start second-guessing himself now.
Speaking ahead of the final pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Seoul, Maresca faced the inevitable question: does he feel the weight of following Guardiola? His answer was swift and dismissive.
“No pressure, just privilege. For me it’s a huge privilege to be here and be City manager. In terms of expectations, this is a club that needs to win titles and compete for titles and we are going to try to do exactly the same.”
The Italian’s tone was relaxed, but the message was firm. He is honoured to have the opportunity, and he is already getting on with the job. Maresca has begun implementing his own ideas, working hard at training to get his methods across to a squad used to Guardiola’s ways.
There was no hint of hesitation when the job came up. Where others might have paused at the thought of following such an act, Maresca says he had no reservations. He sees it as a privilege, not a burden.
City’s expectations are clear enough. This is a club built to win, and the new manager knows it. Whether he can deliver remains to be seen, but he is not short of confidence.