Maresca embraces Guardiola legacy as he starts Man City challenge

LONDON, July 23 : New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday he would not make radical changes to the club's playing style, backing the blueprint established by predecessor Pep Guardiola during a trophy-laden decade in charge.

Former Leicester City and Chelsea manager Maresca was appointed last month to replace Guardiola, who in a decade at The Etihad won a glittering array of silverware including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Whoever replaced the Spaniard faced a daunting task as those who initially followed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal discovered.

But Maresca said his previous stints on the club's coaching staff and City's stable structure gave him confidence he could oversee a smooth transition.

"I want to say it is a privilege because the reason why the club decided to go for me, that is a privilege," Maresca, who was Guardiola's assistant in the 2022-23 season and also had a prior spell with the elite development squad, said.

"I have said many times, I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20 to 25 years. It is a challenge. It is nice, it is a privilege. Also the history, after managers with many years at the same club, it can be a struggle like after Alex and Arsene. But it's a challenge to try to do the right things for this organisation, the fans and everyone."

'SIMILAR CONCEPT'

Asked why he felt City could avoid the post-Ferguson and post-Wenger difficulties experienced by United and Arsenal, the 46-year-old praised the club's organisation.

"This club has had three managers in 17 years, that's not normal and doesn't happen. This is one of the things why I'm confident we can do a great job and continue to do the job that has been done