Enzo Maresca is set to take charge of Manchester City for the first time as head coach in a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan on Monday evening, marking the start of a new chapter following Pep Guardiola’s decade-long tenure. Appointed in June to succeed Guardiola, Maresca faces the challenge of upholding the club’s high standards after the former coach secured an unprecedented 17 trophies.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match in Hong Kong, Maresca emphasized his intention to develop his own managerial approach rather than replicate his predecessor’s style. “I don’t believe in copy and paste,” the Italian said, adding that his goal is to introduce new ideas and continuously improve the team. He acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with the role, stating, “We’re always going to be judged, not just tomorrow.”
Maresca also addressed the club’s current squad situation. Several players, including Portugal internationals Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes, and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, were scheduled to arrive later in Hong Kong but will not feature against Inter. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, still observing a mandatory post-World Cup rest following his national team duty in mid-July, may join the squad for the upcoming fixtures in Seoul, where City will face K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid in the next two weeks. “They need the rest after the World Cup. Slowly, they’re going to be back,” Maresca said.
Regarding the future of midfielder Rodri, who recently underwent back surgery, the new manager downplayed speculation linking the player to Real Madrid. Maresca confirmed there have been no contract talks to date but described Rodri as a “top player” and vital to both the club and his plans. He further indicated that Manchester City might remain active in the transfer market, despite their recent £116 million signing of England midfielder Elliot Anderson.
The team’s open training session on Sunday at the Kai Tak Stadium drew an official attendance of 22,858, though the venue, with a capacity of 50,000, appeared largely empty to observers. The playing surface showed signs of wear after intense use. Eighteen-year-old winger Ryan McAidoo, part of the squad and likely to feature off the bench against Inter, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to make an impact. “They’re strong opponents, but we’re one of the best clubs in the world, so it’s going to be a good game,” he said, describing his first visit to Hong Kong as “overwhelming” but positive.
Maresca refrained from commenting in detail on FIFA’s controversial plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, stating he did not have full information on the matter.
Manchester City’s pre-season tour continues after the Inter match, with fixtures scheduled in Seoul ahead of the start of the Premier League season, where Maresca will look to establish his mark amid high expectations.