Gvardiol urges patience as Maresca begins new Manchester City era

Josko Gvardiol has backed Enzo Maresca to succeed as Manchester City manager, describing the Italian as the “perfect choice” to replace Pep Guardiola while warning that the club will need time to adapt to a new project.

Maresca has taken charge after Guardiola ended a decade-long spell at Manchester City following a trophy-filled tenure. The Croatian defender believes the club’s decision to appoint the former Leicester City and Chelsea manager was based on his ability, ideas and potential to deliver success.

The Italian has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City after winning the Championship with Leicester City and guiding Chelsea to the Club World Cup.

Maresca took charge of City for the first time in Saturday’s friendly in Hong Kong, where his side lost to Inter Milan on penalties.

“The level is very high, and there is a good reason why he was chosen as the manager of the team,” Gvardiol told the BBC. “I think he has great ability and new ideas, and we also have to see what we can offer in terms of our style of play, the kind of football we are going to use and the tactical plans.”

Gvardiol said Maresca’s appointment represented the right move for the club, but accepted that the transition from Guardiola would not be straightforward.

“I think he is the perfect choice, but it will take some time,” he added. “Everything is new for us, and changing the manager is not easy, so we will need a period of adjustment. Our job is to help him as much as possible, listen to his instructions and try to adapt as quickly as we can.”

The defender also described his first conversation with Maresca, which centred on his fitness and the way he had played under Guardiola.

“I met him and we spoke a little about my injury, our style of play and how I had played under Pep Guardiola,” Gvardiol said. “That was more or less everything we discussed.”

Gvardiol missed five months of last season after suffering a fracture to the bone in his right leg in January. He returned to action in May, when he played in two matches.

During his absence, speculation continued over Guardiola’s future before the Spaniard confirmed his departure in the final week of the season. Gvardiol said the City squad had already sensed that the manager was considering leaving.

“Some people think he should have told us his decision earlier, while others think the opposite,” he said. “I think the timing was perfect, because if he had told us earlier, maybe it would have affected us mentally.”

“We knew that at some point he would tell us his decision. He had been here for 10 years, and it was normal that he needed some rest and distance. We felt that this moment was approaching.”

Gvardiol said Guardiola had been undecided during the 2024-25 season before choosing to remain in charge for another campaign.

“In the 2024-25 season he was hesitating between staying and leaving, and then he decided to continue,” he said. “That was great because it gave us one more season to try to win trophies.”

“Two seasons ago we went through a very difficult period and did not win any of 13 consecutive matches. Unfortunately, it was time for him to leave, but who knows? Maybe he will return in six months when he has regained his energy.”

Manchester City are also preparing for changes in their leadership group after Bernardo Silva left for Real Madrid when his contract expired, while experienced defender John Stones joined Inter Milan as a free agent.

Gvardiol played in all four of Croatia’s matches at the World Cup this summer before they were eliminated by Portugal in the round of 32. Croatia had a late equaliser ruled out following a VAR intervention.

His Manchester City team-mate Ruben Dias played for Portugal in that match, while midfielder Rodri led Spain to the World Cup title. Gvardiol, meanwhile, secured his own future at City by signing a new five-year contract.

Asked who might become the club’s next captain, Gvardiol said a decision had not yet been made.

“It is difficult to talk about that now, and we have to wait and see what happens,” he said.

“Ruben Dias is one of the leaders in the team, and he will probably take on that role more during the next period. Maybe he will become the first captain.”

Gvardiol also indicated that the next captain would need backing from the more established members of the squad.

“He will need the support of the players who have spent longer at the club,” he said. “If I am chosen to take on this responsibility, I will be ready for it.”