**Enzo Maresca has insisted that he is “not here to copy” Pep Guardiola as he begins his reign as Manchester City manager.**
Guardiola enjoyed a period of unprecedented success during his decade at the Etihad, leaving behind big shoes to fill. Maresca knows this first-hand, having served as the Catalan’s assistant during City’s triumphant treble season.
Having also managed the club’s under-23 side, the Italian is now on his third stint in Manchester – this time taking charge of the first-team. And he is determined to do things his own way.
“First of all, for me it’s important to make it clear that I’m here to do what I want, my job, in the way I want,” asserted Maresca. “I’m not here to try to copy someone.
“I’m just here to try to do my job, to instill my football, the way I see the football.”
The Italian continued: “Every manager is different. There can be some similar concepts but at the end, every manager is different. The way we approach the day-by-day, the way we approach the games.
“I don’t think there are managers that just copy and paste from other managers, it’s difficult.
“I can copy and paste, but I don’t see the football in the same way as the other managers. So that’s why I don’t believe in copying and pasting.”
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Nevertheless, Maresca says he has been in touch with his predecessor.
“I spoke with Pep a lot since he decided to leave the club,” he said. “I was with him a week ago, we spent some hours together.
“The relationship with Pep since I was with the under-23s has always been quite close.”
Asked if he will maintain contact throughout the season, he answered: “No, he needs to enjoy his moment. And I also need to do my job and find a solution for myself.
“After ten years playing every three days, it’s quite demanding. So I think now he deserves to relax.”
On succeeding Guardiola, City’s new boss added: “For me it’s a privilege. Because I consider Pep probably the best coach, the best manager in the last 20 years.
“As I said, it’s also a challenge because we saw that after this kind of manager, always the clubs struggle. I know that, I’m aware of it, but at the same time I’m quite relaxed that I’m sure that we can do a great job.”
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