Enzo Maresca, the new manager of Manchester City, said on Friday that he will not make radical changes to the team's playing style, endorsing the approach of his predecessor Pep Guardiola during a trophy-laden decade.

City announced last month the appointment of Maresca, former manager of Leicester City and Chelsea, to replace Guardiola, who during his decade at the Etihad Stadium won many titles, including the Premier League six times and the UEFA Champions League once.

The successor to the Spanish manager will face a daunting task, as was the case with those who followed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsène Wenger at Arsenal.

But Maresca said his previous stints within the club's coaching staff, along with Manchester City's stable structure, gave him confidence in his ability to oversee a smooth transition.

Maresca, who was Guardiola's assistant in the 2022-2023 season and previously worked with the elite development squad, said: "I want to say this is a huge honor, because the reason the club chose me is an honor in itself. I have said many times that I consider Pep the best manager in the world over the last 20 or 25 years. It is a challenge. It is beautiful, it is an honor. Also, history, after managers who spent many years at the same club, can be difficult, as happened after Alex and Arsène. But it is a challenge to try to do the right things for this institution, the fans, and everyone."

When asked why he believes Manchester City can avoid the difficulties faced by Manchester United and Arsenal in the post-Ferguson and post-Wenger eras, the 46-year-old manager praised the club's organization and said: "Only three managers have taken charge of the club in 17 years, which is unusual and does not normally happen. That is one of the reasons I am confident we can perform excellently and continue the journey that started 14 or 15 years ago, since Roberto Mancini was here. Perhaps the reason the club chose me is that they see a similar concept to the previous manager's approach: always play aggressively when we lose the ball, control the match, try to impose our vision, and most importantly, win matches."

Maresca will have to start his tenure at City without Rodri, the World Cup-winning Spain international, who needs back surgery and has been linked with a possible departure from the club.

Maresca said: "First and foremost, I must say that rumors always surround big players, so I am not worried about that. I think it is normal, especially since they won the World Cup and he is one of the best players. I believe every manager would want to sign Rodri because he is a top-class player. But he will undergo surgery on Monday. He needs a break, he needs rest and recovery, and then he will return to us."

Maresca also hinted at a potential path for Jack Grealish's return, who spent a season on loan at Everton. He added: "Jack is here now, and I always say in any club I join, if there are players belonging to the club, it is my duty to try to coach them. I have a good relationship with Jack since I left, and the reason is that he has a big heart and is a kind person. We will see what happens."

With several first-team players on holiday after the World Cup, Maresca says he is working with the club's young players, with focus beginning on the Community Shield match against Arsenal on August 16, one week before the Premier League season starts. He said: "The last group of players will join us three or four days before the Community Shield match. From that point, we will have the full squad. I am working with a number of young players, and that is always good because they are full of energy. Some of them are very good, so yes, I am happy."

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