Enzo Maresca said following Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager is a “privilege” but admitted he is aware how the successors to Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger struggled at Manchester United and Arsenal. The Italian, who took over at City last month, pointed to how United dipped when David Moyes replaced Ferguson and Arsenal struggled when Wenger departed. “It’s a challenge to try to do the right things immediately for this organisation, for the fans, for everyone,” he said.
Maresca’s first press conference came as the Premier League fixtures for the coming season were released. Manchester City start life after Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on 23 August. Other opening weekend fixtures include champions Arsenal hosting Coventry on 21 August, Liverpool travelling to Newcastle, and Manchester United visiting Hull. Maresca confirmed that Rodri will have back surgery on Monday, so is set to miss the start of the season. He was asked about the player's future amid interest from Real Madrid but said he is not worried.
“New Man City manager Maresca admits challenge of following Guardiola as fixtures reveal City host Bournemouth on opening weekend.”
Elsewhere, former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Amos is still searching for a new club after becoming a free agent. The 36-year-old, who made seven first-team appearances in 14 years at United, left Port Vale after his contract expired. Amos has been part of the PFA pre-season programme for the last four weeks. “It’s been unbelievable,” he said. “I’m without a club in 20-something of July, which I’ve never been in that position before, but I don’t feel like I’ve ever been in a better position in terms of how I feel.”