Gvardiol: Maresca is the Ideal Choice to Succeed Guardiola

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol believes Enzo Maresca was the ideal choice to take over as manager following Pep Guardiola's departure. The Italian signed a three-year contract but debuted with a penalty shootout loss in a friendly against Inter in Seoul, South Korea. In that match, the Croatian defender, who earlier in the week committed his long-term future to the club, started and was substituted at halftime.

"The level is so high, and there's a reason he was chosen as manager. I think he brings quality, new ideas, and we need to see what our playing style will be – the football we'll play and the tactics. I think he's perfect, but, of course, it takes time. This is something totally new; it's not easy to change a coach, so we won't rush. Our job is to help him as much as we can and listen to try and adapt as quickly as possible. I met him, we talked a bit about my injury and also about our game, how it was before with Pep, and that's pretty much it," Gvardiol explained, as quoted by the BBC.

In January, the 24-year-old Croatian international suffered a fracture in his right foot and was sidelined for five months before returning for two late-season appearances and then starting all four matches for his country at the World Cup in North America. Throughout the campaign, there had been speculation that Guardiola might leave, which was confirmed in May, ending his ten-year tenure at the helm of the 'Citizens'.

"Some might say he could have told us sooner, others would say the opposite. I think the timing was perfect because, if it had been earlier, it would have affected us mentally. We knew that at some point he had to tell us. He was here for 10 years, and it's time for him to rest a bit and step down. We felt it. For the 2024/25 season, he was ready to leave, but he stayed, and that was great because we had another year to try and win something. Two seasons ago, it was tough for us; we had a run of 13 games without a win. Unfortunately, it was time for him to leave, but knowing him, maybe in six months he'll have the energy again," Gvardiol added.

With Bernardo Silva also departing, the City squad needs a new captain, and according to the Croatian, his defensive partner Ruben Dias is among the candidates. "It's hard to say, but we'll have to see. Ruben is one of the leaders in our team, and he'll surely be at the top now – perhaps the most important. We'll need people who have been here for a long time. So, if it's up to me, I'll take responsibility," the defender concluded.

City will kick off their season with a Community Shield clash against Arsenal on August 16th, and before that, Enzo Maresca's squad will play two friendly matches against the Korean League All-Stars and against Atletico Madrid.