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Hayters TV

·24 July 2026

Hayters TV

·24 July 2026

Enzo Maresca has made it clear that he is “not here to copy” Pep Guardiola as he starts his spell as Manchester City manager.

Guardiola enjoyed an era of unmatched success during his ten years at the Etihad, leaving behind a huge task for anyone who follows him. Maresca understands that better than most, having worked as the Catalan’s assistant during City’s treble-winning season.

He has also managed the club’s under-23 side, and the Italian is now on his third spell in Manchester — this time in charge of the first team. He is determined to do things in his own way.

“First of all, for me it’s important to make it clear that I’m here to do what I want, my job, in the way I want,” said Maresca. “I’m not here to try to copy someone.

“I’m just here to try to do my job, to instill my football, the way I see the football.”

The Italian went on: “Every manager is different. There can be some similar concepts but at the end, every manager is different. The way we approach the day-by-day, the way we approach the games.

“I don’t think there are managers that just copy and paste from other managers, it’s difficult.

“I can copy and paste, but I don’t see the football in the same way as the other managers. So that’s why I don’t believe in copying and pasting.”

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Even so, Maresca says he has stayed in contact with his predecessor.

“I spoke with Pep a lot since he decided to leave the club,” he said. “I was with him a week ago, we spent some hours together.

“The relationship with Pep since I was with the under-23s has always been quite close.”

When asked whether he will keep in touch through the season, he replied: “No, he needs to enjoy his moment. And I also need to do my job and find a solution for myself.

“After ten years playing every three days, it’s quite demanding. So I think now he deserves to relax.”

On taking over from Guardiola, City’s new manager added: “For me it’s a privilege. Because I consider Pep probably the best coach, the best manager in the last 20 years.

“As I said, it’s also a challenge because we saw that after this kind of manager, always the clubs struggle. I know that, I’m aware of it, but at the same time I’m quite relaxed that I’m sure that we can do a great job.”

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