Enzo Maresca calls Man City job ‘a privilege’ and expects Rodri to stay despite surgery

Enzo Maresca says it is a “privilege” to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and insists he expects Rodri to remain at the club despite the Spain midfielder requiring back surgery.

The Italian, speaking at his first press conference since being appointed, said he was ready to embrace the challenge of succeeding Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season after a decade in charge and 20 trophies at the Etihad Stadium.

Maresca confirmed Rodri, who is entering the final year of his contract and has been linked with Real Madrid, will undergo an operation on Monday but stressed he is planning for the new campaign with the World Cup Golden Ball winner in his squad.

“We have to say that around big players there is always speculation,” Maresca said. “I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal.

“Because they won the World Cup, and he was the best player or one of the best players, I think every manager wants to have Rodri.

“But now surgery on Monday, and he needs holiday. He needs to rest. He needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.”

Succeeding Guardiola

Maresca, 46, arrives knowing he is stepping into the role previously held by a manager he regards as a modern great.

“I’ve said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20, 25 years,” he said. “But again, it’s a challenge. It’s nice. It’s a privilege.”

He acknowledged the historical difficulties clubs often face when a long-serving, trophy-laden manager departs, referencing the experiences of Manchester United and Arsenal after the respective exits of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

“The history of (following) the manager with many years in the same club always struggled a little bit – after Sir Alex, after Arsene,” Maresca said.

“It’s a challenge to try to do the right things immediately for this organisation, for the fans, for everyone.”

‘Strong foundations’ at City

This is Maresca’s third spell at Manchester City. He previously coached the club’s elite development squad and later returned as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 treble-winning season.

He believes that continuity and the club’s structure give him a platform to extend City’s recent success.

“I think the organisation is the main thing,” he said. “This club, this organisation, they had three managers in 17 years. This is not normal, it doesn’t happen often.

“So this is probably one of the (reasons) that I’m confident we can do a great job.”

Maresca was speaking a day after England midfielder Elliot Anderson completed his reported £116m transfer from Nottingham Forest to City, underlining the continued investment in the squad he has inherited.

Chelsea exit and past roles

Before taking over at City, Maresca had brief but high-profile spells in English club management.

He was previously in charge at Leicester and Chelsea and left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day, with Chelsea unhappy at the manner of his departure amid speculation that he was being lined up to succeed Guardiola at City.

A smiling Maresca chose not to be drawn on any lingering controversy, instead reflecting positively on his earlier managerial posts.

“I feel quite lucky in terms of my former clubs Leicester, Chelsea – I think we did a great job,” he said.

“In both clubs, the identity of the team was clear, the success of the team was clear, and I feel very lucky to be part of these clubs.

“But now we are here. That is the most important thing, just about City. Nothing to add.”