Enzo Maresca has insisted Manchester City will not 'go to the dogs' like Manchester United did after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, as he faces the daunting task of replacing Pep Guardiola.
Speaking at his first news conference since succeeding Guardiola, Maresca acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead. Guardiola won 20 trophies in his 10 years at the club, and Maresca said: 'I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years, so it's a challenge.' He compared his situation to David Moyes, who was sacked within 10 months of taking over from Ferguson at United in 2013.
“Maresca says City won't 'go to the dogs' like United post-Ferguson, as Rodri undergoes surgery and Anderson signs for £116m.”
But Maresca pointed to City's stability as reason for optimism. 'This club has had three managers in 16 years,' he said. 'That is not normal and has not happened often. I am confident we can continue to do the job that has been done in the last 14 or 15 years.'
The new City boss also addressed speculation around Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who will have back surgery on Monday. Reports have linked the Spain captain with a move to Real Madrid, but Maresca dismissed the rumours. 'Around big players there is always speculation,' he said. 'I am not worried about that. Every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player. Now surgery, he needs to rest and recover, and then he will be back here with us.'
City have also made a major statement in the transfer market by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a club-record £116m. The 23-year-old was an integral part of England's World Cup-winning squad, with England head coach Thomas Tuchel calling him 'the full package'. Anderson began his career at Newcastle United, who sold him to Forest in July 2024 in a deal that then-Magpies boss Eddie Howe described as 'the most reluctant in my career'.
Maresca's confidence in City's structure is clear, and he believes the club can avoid the decline that plagued United after Ferguson. 'The organisation is the main thing,' he said. 'It is a big challenge for everyone, but I am confident we can do a great job.'
