Enzo Maresca: "Man City won't follow the same path as MU"

The newly appointed manager Enzo Maresca shared his belief that Manchester City will avoid repeating the downturn seen at Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down or Arsenal after Arsene Wenger left.

Maresca stated that he views taking over the hot seat at Manchester City following Pep Guardiola's glorious era as a tremendous privilege.

Pep Guardiola concluded his 10-year tenure at Manchester City with a total of 20 trophies before deciding to leave the club at the end of last season. Maresca, who previously worked at the Etihad in two spells as Guardiola's assistant and as elite development squad coach, expressed great excitement about being chosen to succeed his mentor.

Speaking at his official unveiling on Friday, the 46-year-old manager said: "I have to say this is a privilege. The club choosing me means they trust in me, and that makes me very proud."

"I've always considered Pep the best manager in the world over the last 20 to 25 years. But this is also a very exciting challenge. History has shown that many clubs have struggled after parting ways with long-serving managers like Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger. So my goal is to help the club continue operating effectively from the start, for this organization, for the fans, and for everyone connected to Manchester City."

Maresca believes that the solid foundation Manchester City has built over the past two decades will help the team maintain its top status. According to him, stability in the management structure is the key difference.

"The organization is the most important thing. Over the past 17 years, Manchester City has had only three managers: Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, and Pep Guardiola. That's very rare in modern football. That stability makes me believe we can continue to succeed and uphold the values built over the last 14 to 15 years."

When asked about his departure from Chelsea in January, a deal that cost Manchester City £17 million in compensation to bring him in to replace Guardiola, Maresca did not want to say much.

"I feel very fortunate to have worked at Leicester City and Chelsea. I think we did a good job at both clubs. Each team had a clear identity and achieved notable success. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work there. However, the most important thing now is Manchester City. I have nothing more to add."

One of the most talked-about topics is the future of midfielder Rodri, who has been continuously linked with Real Madrid as his contract has only one year left. After winning the World Cup with Spain earlier this month, Rodri will undergo surgery on a back injury.

Maresca remained calm about the transfer rumors: "Big players always come with a lot of speculation. I'm not worried because that's completely normal. Rodri just won the World Cup and was one of the tournament's best players.

"I believe any manager would want Rodri in their squad because he is a world-class player. However, for now, Rodri will have surgery on Monday. After that, he needs rest, full recovery, and then he'll rejoin us."

In addition, Maresca was also asked about the future of goalkeeper James Trafford, who is attracting interest from Leeds United, as well as Jack Grealish, who just spent a season on loan at Everton.

On Trafford, Maresca said: "I know James very well because I worked with him in the U23s. But when the transfer window opens, anything can happen, both in summer and January. For now, James is still one of Manchester City's goalkeepers."

Regarding Grealish, the Italian tactician affirmed that he still considers the English midfielder part of his plans.

"At this moment, Jack is still a Manchester City player. I've always believed that when I take over any team, my job is to try to help the club's contracted players reach their full potential.

"I have a very good relationship with Jack. Since I left Manchester City before, we've stayed in touch. He's a very kind, emotional person with a big heart. That's why we've always kept that connection. As for the future, we'll have to wait and see."