Following Guardiola and captaincy dilemma - Maresca on life at Man City

What the report says

Enzo Maresca has spoken about the early challenges of succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, as he prepares for his first season in charge after returning to the club as manager. BBC Sport reported that Maresca, who previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, discussed the scale of the job during a media session in Seoul while City were on pre-season tour in South Korea.

Guardiola left after last season having delivered 17 major trophies at City, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League. Maresca said he expects comparisons with his predecessor but does not feel weighed down by them, describing the role as both difficult and a privilege. He also said he had met Guardiola in Barcelona before officially taking over, using the conversation to gather advice, while stressing that he still wants to assess the club for himself.

The report also highlighted Maresca’s interest in artificial intelligence, which he said he explored during his time away from football by taking masterclasses. More immediately, he faces footballing decisions around City’s evolving style, including the growing use of set-pieces across the Premier League, as well as administrative choices such as naming the next club captain after Bernardo Silva’s departure.

BBC Sport said Maresca wants a homegrown player involved in the leadership group, with Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Rodri among the current contenders. The article noted that Rodri’s future remains unresolved after Barcelona made a failed bid, adding another key issue for City as Maresca settles into one of the most closely watched jobs in football.