Josko Gvardiol backs Enzo Maresca as ‘perfect’ replacement for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Josko Gvardiol has offered a strong endorsement of Enzo Maresca, describing the new Manchester City manager as the ideal candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola. Maresca took over this summer after Guardiola concluded his decade-long tenure, and initial observations from the training ground suggest the squad is supportive of the appointment.
Gvardiol expressed full confidence in the club’s decision-making regarding the managerial change. He stated, “The level is that high and Enzo has been chosen with reason as the manager. I think he has a quality, has some new ideas and also we need to see what we’re going to do [with] the style of [play], the football we are going to play and the tactics and everything. I think he is a perfect one, but of course it takes time.” The Croatian international acknowledged the significant task ahead, noting the squad’s need to quickly adapt to a different tactical approach. With a depleted squad due to post-World Cup breaks, tactical foundations are currently being established. Gvardiol emphasized the players’ responsibility to help the new head coach succeed when the competitive season begins.
“It’s something totally new, it’s not easy to change the manager, so we will take time,” the defender added. “It’s our job to help him as much as possible and also to listen to try to adapt as quick as possible. I met him, we spoke a little bit about my injury [and] also how we played, how I played before with Pep, and that’s it, more or less.”
Maresca’s Philosophy and Player Adaptation
While Maresca previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 treble-winning season, he has been keen to differentiate his approach from his former mentor. The 46-year-old manager aims to implement his own philosophy at the Etihad Stadium rather than simply maintaining the previous status quo. “There can be some similar concepts, but every manager is different,” Maresca explained at his official unveiling. “I don’t think there are managers who can copy and paste other managers; it’s difficult. I don’t see football in the same way, and that’s why I don’t believe in copy and paste.”
Rico Lewis, another Manchester City player, is also looking to make an impression on Maresca. Lewis hopes his performances will secure him a spot in the squad this season, especially after not featuring extensively under Guardiola last year. Doubts about his long-term future at the club persist with a month remaining in the transfer window. Lewis had previously stated he needs regular playing time this season, and it is yet to be seen if City can provide that. Nottingham Forest reportedly showed interest in the 21-year-old last summer, and other Premier League clubs have expressed interest, potentially leading to a sale in the coming month.
However, Guardiola’s departure presents Lewis with a new opportunity. He is familiar with Maresca from the year he broke into the first team during City’s treble-winning campaign. Lewis has traveled as one of the senior players for three pre-season friendlies in Asia, as many squad members are still on holiday after the World Cup. When asked about his future after a friendly defeat to Inter in Hong Kong, Lewis did not confirm if he would stay at the Etihad this season but expressed hope that his quality would speak for itself. “It’s a difficult question to answer, you never know what can happen. We’ll see,” he said. “It’s up to the manager and to me to perform when I get the chances. Hopefully I’ve shown that I can do well and in the future I need to continue to do that.”
Commitment and Tactical Adjustments
Maresca reportedly expressed satisfaction with how some of his new ideas were implemented in the first friendly. Lewis appeared more comfortable as the game progressed, particularly when he remained in midfield rather than pushing up from right-back. He noted that he is more at ease with less positional shifting, and is happiest playing in midfield. “Obviously with inverting there’s more running. That’s the bottom line of it, there’s more running and staying in there,” Lewis explained. “I feel comfortable in there. Obviously there’s slightly different elements to the pressing and stuff like that, but all in all it’s pretty similar so I’m comfortable either way. I feel like I can do both sides of the game more there and I feel I can control the game more from that kind of position.”
Lewis acknowledged Maresca’s coaching abilities, stating, “We knew [Enzo] was good, we had him in the Treble season, we knew he was a top coach. And we saw him when he went away with different teams that he could do well so it’s not a surprise, but he’s definitely an intelligent manager with a strong idea, and that’s an important thing to have.”
Gvardiol’s public support for Maresca is notable, given his recent long-term commitment to the club. The defender, who has become a fan favorite, recently signed a new contract that extends his stay at the Etihad until 2031. His willingness to lead the defensive line under new leadership provides stability as the club transitions from the Guardiola era. “As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away it was what I wanted,” Gvardiol stated regarding his new deal. “The City fans have been unbelievable with me from day one – and the club provide absolutely everything for players. It’s the best club in the world to be at.”
Source: goal.com
