Enzo Maresca says he is “completely excited” to begin a new chapter at Manchester City as the club prepare for their first competitive match since Pep Guardiola’s departure.
The former Leicester City and Chelsea manager has been appointed to succeed Guardiola, whose trophy-filled 10-year spell in charge came to an end at the conclusion of last season. Maresca previously worked at City as an assistant coach and now faces the task of leading the club into the 2026-27 campaign.
His first competitive test will come on Sunday, when City face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield.
“I’m completely excited, I know the expectation when you join a club like City,” Maresca told the club’s media channels.
“The expectation is to win games, to win titles and to compete for titles. And we are going to try that. I’m very happy [to be back].”
The Italian acknowledged the scale of the challenge that awaits him after Guardiola’s hugely successful tenure, but said returning to the club had felt familiar.
“It’s a special moment; the feeling is like being back at home so it’s a very nice feeling. The people inside the building, they are almost the same.
“The squad is maybe 80% changed but overall, I had exactly the same feeling. Good people, it’s nice to be here.”
City have made four signings so far during the summer transfer window, with the £116m arrival of Elliot Anderson their most significant deal.
There have also been notable departures. James Trafford, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have been sold, while long-serving players John Stones and Bernardo Silva have left on free transfers.
The club’s squad could undergo further change before the transfer window closes. Rodri’s future remains uncertain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona reported to be interested in the Spain midfielder.
City are also in talks to sign 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and have reportedly expressed interest in Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Maresca is only beginning his time back at City, but he already understands that success will be measured by the trophies the club can win. When asked what would be expected of him during the season, he gave a concise answer.
“Try to win some titles,” he said.
“But as I said before, it’s what the club has to fight for, so hopefully we can be at the end of the season and enjoy that moment.”
The Community Shield will provide Maresca with his first opportunity to put his plans into action, with City facing the reigning Premier League champions at the start of a season that marks a significant change in leadership at the club.
