News, goals, and analysis – only on the official A BOLA app. In his first press conference as head coach of Manchester City, Enzo Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of succeeding Pep Guardiola but expressed confidence in the club’s structure to achieve success. The former Chelsea coach also confirmed that Rodri will undergo surgery and will miss the start of the season, addressing Real Madrid’s interest in the midfielder who shone at the 2026 World Cup. Enzo 💬 I know quite well the organisation, I know the people from inside the club from years ago. The structure of the club and when a club has three managers in almost 20 years, it shows how serious this structure is and they understand to give time for everything. pic.twitter.com/JA5EAq Z2LD The Italian, who took over the reins of the English vice-champions last month, described the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola as a “privilege,” despite being aware of the challenges that such a task entails. The Italian recalled the difficulties faced by Sir Alex Ferguson’s successors at Manchester United and Arsène Wenger’s at Arsenal. “First, I have to say that it is a privilege because the club decided to bet on me. I have said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20, 25 years,” Maresca stated at his presentation. The new coach of the Citizens, who replaces a figure that won 17 major trophies in a decade, pointed to historical examples of transitions at other clubs. “History shows that coaches who have been at the same club for many years have always faced some difficulties. After Sir Alex, after Arsène, but it is also a challenge to try to do the right things immediately for this organization, for the fans, for everyone,” he emphasized. Despite the weight of the legacy, the 46-year-old coach believes that the stability and organization of Manchester City are key to success. “Organization is the main thing. This club, this organization, has had three coaches in 17 years,” referring to Guardiola, Manuel Pellegrini, and Roberto Mancini. “This is not normal. It doesn’t happen often. It is probably one of the things that makes me confident that we can do a great job and continue what has been done since Roberto was here, then Manuel, and for 10 years, Pep.” Regarding the squad, the coach confirmed a significant absence for the start of the season. Rodri will undergo back surgery next Monday. When asked about the future of the 30-year-old midfielder, who is the subject of interest from Real Madrid, Maresca downplayed the speculation. “Firstly, there is always speculation around great players. I am not worried about that,” he said, adding: “I think any coach wants to have Rodri because he is a top player. But now he will be operated on, I think on Monday. He needs a break, some rest. After that, he will be back with us.” Maresca also addressed the situation of other players, admitting the possibility of departures. Jack Grealish, who returned from a loan at Everton, and James Trafford, the second goalkeeper who is of interest to Leeds, may leave the club. “At the moment, Jack is a Manchester City player. My duty is to try to train the players who belong to the club. Then we will see what happens,” he commented on Grealish. Regarding Trafford, he added: “When the transfer window is open, anything can happen. We will see. But at the moment, he is one of our goalkeepers.”
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