Josko Gvardiol praises Enzo Maresca, Guardiola's ideal successor

According to Soccernews.

Context

Manchester City central defender Josko Gvardiol expresses confidence in Enzo Maresca as manager. He underlines the importance of the transition after Guardiola's departure and speaks of the need for time to adapt for the team. Gvardiol is determined to support Maresca in this new phase.

Why it matters

The departure of Pep Guardiola, iconic coach of Manchester City, marks an important turning point for the club. The appointment of Enzo Maresca raises high expectations, particularly due to his track record with Chelsea. The transition could have a significant impact on the upcoming Premier League season, as City look to maintain their leadership position.

Key points

• Josko Gvardiol praises Enzo Maresca, Guardiola's ideal successor.
• Josko Gvardiol believes Enzo Maresca is the perfect coach to continue Pep Guardiola's work at Manchester City.
• Gvardiol: Maresca perfect as Guardiola’s Man City replacement.

After the resounding departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City, the arrival of Enzo Maresca raises many expectations and fuels European football news. The Citizens' central defender, Josko Gvardiol, expressed his feelings about this major transition, displaying total confidence in Maresca's ability to establish himself permanently at the head of the Mancunian club.

Appointed last June, Enzo Maresca succeeds Guardiola, author of a memorable decade at the club, punctuated by titles and records. The Italian, enjoying success with Chelsea, whose team he led to victory in the Europa Conference League and the 2025 Club World Cup, has signed up for three seasons with the Skyblues. In his first preparation match, Maresca faced Inter Milan in Hong Kong. Despite a defeat on penalties after a draw (1-1), the signals sent by the locker room are positive.

“The level of requirements is very high and he was chosen for good reason,” underlined Gvardiol, who started in the first half during this friendly match. For the Croatian, Maresca brings new ideas, an ambitious game plan and an approach “perfectly suited” to Manchester City, even if he insists on the need for time to adapt. “It’s a total change, it’s never easy to replace a coach, but we will do everything to support him in this new stage,” he says, while evoking personal discussions around his recent injuries and his development under the Guardiola era.

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The departure of Pep Guardiola, made official during the last week of the 2025-2026 season after several months of speculation, naturally marked a turning point for the group. Gvardiol acknowledges that the late announcement of the departure allowed the team to stay focused on their objectives without being mentally parasitized. “Some will say he could have warned us earlier, others not. I think it was the right time, it was better for the mentality of the group,” he confides. With ten years spent on the City bench, Guardiola leaves behind an immense legacy and Maresca's task promises to be all the more complex.

Nevertheless, Gvardiol, like his teammates, seems determined to turn the page with ambition. “It’s up to us to help him, listen to him and adapt as quickly as possible,” he adds. The new era led by Maresca will truly begin with the resumption of the Premier League, while Manchester City will attempt to remain at the top of English and European football in an ever tougher championship.

This transition marks a page turning, but also a new chapter to write for the Citizens, under the watchful eye of all of football Europe.

The rest

With Enzo Maresca at the helm, Manchester City is entering a new era which will require a period of adaptation. Players, like Josko Gvardiol, will have to adjust to his style of play and his new tactics. Performances in the upcoming warm-up matches will be crucial in assessing Maresca's impact on the team ahead of the start of the Premier League season.

Frequently asked questions

What is the score of the last match between Manchester City and Chelsea?

The last match mentioned in the article was a friendly match between Manchester City and Inter Milan, which ended in a draw (1-1) before losing on penalties.

How does Guardiola's departure impact Manchester City's ranking?

The article does not provide specific information on the impact of Guardiola's departure on Manchester City's ranking in the current season.

When is Manchester City's next match?

The article does not mention the date of Manchester City's next match.

Who is the new Manchester City manager?

Manchester City's new coach is Enzo Maresca, who was appointed last June.

What was the result of Enzo Maresca's first preparation match?

The first

Enzo Maresca's preparation match ended in a draw (1-1) against Inter Milan, followed by a defeat on penalties.

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