Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca has spoken about his return to the club, the challenge of taking charge after Pep Guardiola’s successful tenure and his memories of the team’s historic treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.
Maresca, who is familiar with the club from his previous stint, said he is excited to be back and believes Manchester City’s ambitious project made it the right time for him to return.
Maresca on returning to Manchester City
Speaking to JioHotstar, Maresca said his return to Manchester City is driven by the size and ambition of the club. “This is the third time I am here at Manchester City. Hopefully, it’s the last time I come back and I don’t leave anymore,” Maresca said.
The Italian added that he already understands the expectations at the club and is looking forward to helping the team achieve its targets.
‘It’s a huge challenge’
Maresca acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, particularly after the success Manchester City have enjoyed over the past 15 years. “It’s a huge challenge to be the manager of a club like Manchester City, especially because of the success they’ve had over the last 15 years,” he said.
However, he also described the opportunity as an exciting one, with the focus firmly on maintaining the club’s high standards and continuing its pursuit of trophies. Maresca said the club wants to maintain its style of football while continuing to compete for major honours.
Familiarity could help Maresca
The new City boss also believes his previous connections at the club could make his transition easier. “It’s always easier when you join a club where you already have connections and know people inside the building,” he said.
Maresca revealed that he already knows most of the staff and expects to find four or five players from his previous time at the club still in the squad. According to the manager, that familiarity with the leadership group, players and staff can help make the transition smoother.
Maresca remembers City’s historic treble
Maresca also reflected on Manchester City’s memorable 2022-23 campaign, when the club won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. He described the season as an incredible experience and highlighted the atmosphere surrounding key home matches against Arsenal and Liverpool. “The way the fans pushed the team and the atmosphere inside the stadium was unbelievable,” Maresca said.
He also recalled the celebrations that followed the successful campaign, including the victory parade through Manchester. “That was a fantastic feeling. It was an important journey for sure, and it showed what this club is capable of,” he added.
