Enzo Maresca spoke to reporters for the first time since being given the difficult task of replacing Josep Guardiola as Manchester City manager.
Enzo Maresca speaks to reporters for the first time as Man City manager
Manager Enzo Maresca has insisted Manchester City will not do what United did and will suffer after losing their legendary manager.
Maresca faces the all-powerful task of replacing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. Guardiola won an astonishing 20 trophies during his 10-year reign in English football.
And the scenario Maresca now faces is similar to what David Moyes did when he followed in Sir Alex Ferguson’s footsteps at United in 2013. Moyes found himself fired within 10 months.
Meanwhile, United have not come close to winning a Premier League or Champions League title since Fergie retired.
But Maresca is relishing the challenge of playing Guardiola’s role and believes City are well-positioned to continue winning under his stewardship.
Maresca said: “It’s a challenge because I think Pep is the best manager in the world for the last 20 to 25 years. It’s great, it’s an honor and the history of managers who have been at the same club for a long time has always been a bit of a struggle, like after Sir Alex.”
“It’s a big challenge for everyone. But I think structure is important. This club has had three managers in 17 years.
David Moyes was sacked by Man United after just 10 months (Image: 2014 Getty Images)
“This is not a normal thing, it doesn’t happen often, so that’s one of the reasons I’m confident we can do a great job. And we’ll continue to do the work that’s been done over the last 14, 15 years.”
Meanwhile, Maresca admitted he is not bothered by all the speculation surrounding World Cup winner Rodri. The Spanish Ballon d’Or winner is due to undergo minor back surgery next week, but has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
But Maresca added: “There’s always speculation around big players. I’m not worried about that. It’s normal. Every manager wants Rodri, but now he’s having an operation. He needs to rest and recover, and then he’ll be back here with us.”
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