Rejecting to imitate Pep Guardiola, Enzo Maresca chooses to create a new era at Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed he will not blindly replicate Pep Guardiola's methods verbatim after being officially appointed as the new head coach of Manchester City. The Italian manager intends to implement his own football philosophy and build a new identity for The Citizens.

Maresca takes over the managerial position previously held by Guardiola. This is no easy task, as the Spanish coach left an extraordinary legacy across his decade leading Manchester City.

Despite having previously worked as Guardiola's assistant, Maresca emphasised that every manager has their own perspective and unique methods for developing a team.

"I believe every coach is different, both in their daily working routines and their approach to matches. We will evaluate which concepts require adjustment. I do not believe in copy and paste. I view football differently from the previous manager," Maresca stated on the club's official website on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

Guardiola concluded his tenure at Manchester City after 10 years filled with success. Under his leadership, The Citizens won six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, three FA Cups, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Before being appointed as Manchester City's first team head coach, Maresca was part of Guardiola's coaching staff during the 2022/23 season. This experience provides valuable background, but he has made clear he will not simply continue his mentor's playing style.

The 46 year old coach confirmed he still maintains communication with Guardiola, even after his former boss departed the Etihad Stadium.

"He deserves to enjoy his rest time. For my part, I must focus on carrying out my own responsibilities," he said.

Maresca joins Manchester City with an impressive track record. Across 18 months managing Chelsea, he delivered two trophies: the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final match.

Maresca now faces an even greater challenge. Manchester City is established as a club that always targets silverware in every competition they enter. Even so, the former Leicester City coach has chosen not to carry the pressure of long-term targets.

For Maresca, building the team's playing foundation and improving squad quality every single day is the main priority, before discussing opportunities to win trophies at the end of the season.

"Ultimately we do want to win titles. But right now, I am only focused on what needs to be done today," Maresca concluded.