Gvardiol: Maresca Is ‘Perfect’ For Man City Despite Inter Defeat

Maresca during City Vs Inter clash

Maresca era begins at Man City as Gvardiol backs Italian to replace Pep Guardiola. Maresca has ‘huge shoes to fill’ after Guardiola’s 20-trophy Man City reign.
 

Gvardiol backs Maresca as ‘perfect’ Man City boss despite Inter loss...

Man City defender Josko Gvardiol says Enzo Maresca is the right man to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

Maresca’s first game in charge ended in a 3-1 penalty shootout defeat to Inter in Hong Kong on Saturday, after a disappointing display from City.

Maresca inherits the job after Guardiola’s 10-year reign at the Etihad, a period in which the Catalan won every major honour available to an English club.

Guardiola departed with 20 trophies in 10 seasons, leaving Maresca with massive expectations to live up to in the eyes of City supporters.

The highlights from our first pre-season fixture against Inter 📺 pic.twitter.com/0Fq09EFHe6

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 1, 2026

It remains to be seen if City can stay among Europe’s elite in the coming years, but supporters will get their next look at the team against the K League All Stars in three days.

“The level is that high. He has been chosen with reason as the manager,” said the Croat.

“I think he has a quality, some new ideas, and also we need to see what we are going to do. The style of (play), the football we are going to play, and the tactics. 

“I think he is a perfect one, but of course, it takes time. It's something totally new, it's not easy to change the manager, so we will take time.”

Gvardiol continued: “It's our job to help him as much as possible and also to listen to try to adapt as quickly as possible. 

“I met him, we spoke a little bit about my injury (and) how we played, how I played before with Pep, and that's it, more or less.”