New boss Maresca is perfect for Man City - Gvardiol

What the report says

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has backed Enzo Maresca as a strong fit for the club, calling the new manager a “perfect” appointment as City begin life after Pep Guardiola. The comments were made during City’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong, where Maresca took charge for the first time in a friendly that ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan.

BBC Sport reported that Maresca, 46, has signed a three-year contract after arriving from Leicester, where he won the Championship, and after a spell at Chelsea that included Club World Cup success. Gvardiol said the coach has new ideas and stressed that the team will need time to adjust to a different style, tactics and approach after a decade under Guardiola.

The Croatia defender also reflected on Guardiola’s departure, saying players could sense the change was coming and that the timing of the announcement helped the squad manage it mentally. Guardiola left after a trophy-filled 10 years at City. Gvardiol, who missed much of last season with injury before returning in May, said the squad’s job is to support Maresca and adapt quickly.

The article also noted that Gvardiol has signed a new five-year deal with City. With senior figures such as Bernardo Silva and John Stones no longer at the club, BBC Sport said leadership roles may become a key issue as City reshape their squad and identity under their new manager.