Gvardiol Hails Maresca As Guardiola’s Ideal Successor At Manchester City

Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol has thrown his support behind new manager Enzo Maresca, describing the Italian as the ideal successor to Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard’s departure after a decade in charge of the Premier League champions.

Maresca officially began his reign during City’s pre-season tour and suffered a narrow start, with his side losing on penalties to Inter Milan in Hong Kong.

Speaking to BBC Sport on Sunday, Gvardiol admitted replacing one of football’s most successful managers would be a formidable challenge but expressed confidence that Maresca has the qualities to lead City into a new era.

“I think he is the perfect one, but of course, it takes time,” the Croatia international said, stressing that the players also have a responsibility to help the new manager settle quickly.

Gvardiol revealed that he has already held discussions with Maresca, with their conversation centred on his recovery from injury and the role he played under Guardiola.

The 24-year-old also reflected on Guardiola’s departure, saying the squad had sensed that the Spaniard’s remarkable spell at the Etihad Stadium was drawing to a close.

According to Gvardiol, the timing of Guardiola’s announcement came as no surprise, with the players aware that the end of an era was approaching after the manager’s 10 years at the helm.

Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season, bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football. During his decade at Manchester City, he guided the club to multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and major European honours, transforming City into one of the dominant forces in world football.

Maresca now faces the task of building on that legacy as he prepares Manchester City for the new campaign, with Gvardiol’s public backing providing an early vote of confidence in the Italian’s leadership.