Maresca needs time to succeed after 'big changes' at Man City

Enzo Maresca has stated his belief that he can replicate Manchester City's success under Pep Guardiola if afforded the time to adapt to the significant changes at the club. Maresca will lead his first Premier League match as City's manager when Bournemouth face off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Italian was brought in to replace Guardiola, who left the club at the end of the previous season having clinched 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles.

Maresca's task is no small feat as he steps into a club undergoing major changes both on and off the pitch. Key players like Rodri, John Stones and Bernardo Silva have departed, while Savinho is rumored to be joining Tottenham. City have not lifted a title since 2024, and last season saw them finish seven points behind champions Arsenal, who demolished them 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge ahead for Maresca.

Despite the upheaval, Maresca remains undeterred, emphasizing that the team "doesn't mean that we won't be ready to compete." The manager told reporters that "it's a context, it's not an excuse. We need to be ready, I want to compete. The reason I'm here is because I want to try and win titles and carry on what this club stands for in the last 15 years."

Maresca acknowledges the pressure he will face if City do not kick off the season strongly. "When we win games, fans are happy. When we don't win games, everyone is upset," he explained. "It's important to win games because we are all more happy, but we will win games."

The manager is tasked with rebuilding City's squad on the go, with Savinho and Omar Marmoush reportedly close to joining Tottenham. There are also uncertainties around the future of midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who Maresca has been linked with signing from Lille, as well as potential arrivals from Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister.

Maresca admitted that player departures can complicate his plans, citing Rodri and Savinho as examples. The Egypt forward's move to Tottenham remains uncertain, while Maresca declined to comment on a potential deal for the £120 million-rated Argentine.

Maresca is confident that City can bounce back, stating, "I'm not worried, I'm not concerned. Since day one, we knew exactly what we need. We are working together with the sport director of the club, and there are 11 days to go until the window shuts - many things can happen."