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Maresca: I won't copy Pep if I land the Manchester City job
Enzo Maresca has made clear he has no intention of being a ‘copy’ of Pep Guardiola should an opportunity arise at Manchester City. Speaking amid growing speculation about his long‑term trajectory, the Italian stressed that, while Guardiola’s influence on his ideas is undeniable, any future team he leads would carry its own identity.
“I learned a lot working with Pep Guardiola, but I’m not going to copy anyone,” Maresca said. “Whoever I coach, the team has to reflect my principles and the personalities of the players in the dressing room.” He also declined to be drawn on the Premier League’s ongoing charges against Manchester City, noting he is “not thinking about that” and focusing only on footballing matters.
Maresca previously served on Manchester City’s staff and built a reputation for highly structured possession play. That connection has inevitably drawn comparisons to Guardiola’s model, yet Maresca insists the game demands adaptability. “Modern football is about solving problems in different ways,” he added. “You respect what great coaches have built, and then you make your own choices.”
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Leeds United are intensifying their push for goalkeeper James Trafford. The club’s recruitment team remains in active talks as they consider options in goal, while parallel discussions continue on potential deals involving Jack Harrison and Largie Ramazani. A decision regarding Julian Brandt is also being awaited, with Leeds United keeping a close watch on the player’s situation before committing to any pursuit. Trafford, an England U21 European champion in 2023, fits the profile of a long‑term investment with high upside, though any agreement would depend on valuation and competition for his signature.
Off the pitch, officiating made headlines after Tottenham were denied a late penalty against Leeds United. The Premier League later explained that the on‑field call did not meet the “clear and obvious” threshold for VAR intervention, and therefore a spot‑kick was not awarded. The clarification has done little to dampen debate, with fans and pundits split over levels of contact and the consistency of decisions affecting creative players such as James Maddison.
Beyond England, a costly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento denied Al‑Nassr a chance to clinch the Saudi League title at the first attempt, meaning Cristiano Ronaldo’s side must wait a little longer. The blunder shifted momentum late, underlining how fine margins can shape title races.
With several high‑profile free agents set to hit the market in the coming weeks, clubs across Europe are weighing squad needs against wage flexibility. Expect a busy window, from elite contenders at the top of the Premier League to ambitious sides like Leeds United seeking value and upside.
For Manchester City and anyone linked to its future bench, Maresca’s message is plain: influence is not imitation. If an offer ever comes, he intends to win playing his way.
“I learned a lot working with Pep Guardiola, but I’m not going to copy anyone,” Maresca said. “Whoever I coach, the team has to reflect my principles and the personalities of the players in the dressing room.” He also declined to be drawn on the Premier League’s ongoing charges against Manchester City, noting he is “not thinking about that” and focusing only on footballing matters.
Maresca previously served on Manchester City’s staff and built a reputation for highly structured possession play. That connection has inevitably drawn comparisons to Guardiola’s model, yet Maresca insists the game demands adaptability. “Modern football is about solving problems in different ways,” he added. “You respect what great coaches have built, and then you make your own choices.”
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Leeds United are intensifying their push for goalkeeper James Trafford. The club’s recruitment team remains in active talks as they consider options in goal, while parallel discussions continue on potential deals involving Jack Harrison and Largie Ramazani. A decision regarding Julian Brandt is also being awaited, with Leeds United keeping a close watch on the player’s situation before committing to any pursuit. Trafford, an England U21 European champion in 2023, fits the profile of a long‑term investment with high upside, though any agreement would depend on valuation and competition for his signature.
Off the pitch, officiating made headlines after Tottenham were denied a late penalty against Leeds United. The Premier League later explained that the on‑field call did not meet the “clear and obvious” threshold for VAR intervention, and therefore a spot‑kick was not awarded. The clarification has done little to dampen debate, with fans and pundits split over levels of contact and the consistency of decisions affecting creative players such as James Maddison.
Beyond England, a costly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento denied Al‑Nassr a chance to clinch the Saudi League title at the first attempt, meaning Cristiano Ronaldo’s side must wait a little longer. The blunder shifted momentum late, underlining how fine margins can shape title races.
With several high‑profile free agents set to hit the market in the coming weeks, clubs across Europe are weighing squad needs against wage flexibility. Expect a busy window, from elite contenders at the top of the Premier League to ambitious sides like Leeds United seeking value and upside.
For Manchester City and anyone linked to its future bench, Maresca’s message is plain: influence is not imitation. If an offer ever comes, he intends to win playing his way.