Gvardiol Praises New Manager Ahead of Season, Touches on Guardiola's Departure

Joško Gvardiol has expressed strong confidence in Enzo Maresca, the new manager of Manchester City, calling him the 'perfect choice' to replace Pep Guardiola. Maresca, who previously managed City's reserve team and served as an assistant to Guardiola, has signed a contract until 2029.

Gvardiol acknowledged that the transition will require time and patience, as everything is new for the squad. "It's not easy to change a coach. We will need to be patient. Our job is to help him as much as we can, to listen to him and try to adapt as quickly as possible," Gvardiol told BBC Sport.

“

I think he is the perfect choice. Of course, it takes time. Everything is completely new and it's not easy to change a coach. We will need to be patient. Our job is to help him as much as we can, to listen to him and try to adapt as quickly as possible.

He added that Maresca brings "quality and new ideas" and that the team is eager to see how their style of play and tactical strategies will evolve under the Italian's leadership. Gvardiol also mentioned having a brief conversation with Maresca about his injury and his role under Guardiola.

Reflecting on Pep Guardiola's departure after ten years, Gvardiol suggested that the timing was right for both the manager and the club. While some might have preferred an earlier announcement, Gvardiol felt the decision was revealed at an opportune moment to avoid mentally impacting the team. He noted that players could sense Guardiola's need for a break, hinting that the legendary manager had considered leaving even earlier in his tenure.

“

Some will say he could have told us earlier, others that he couldn't. I think he chose the perfect moment, because if he had announced the decision earlier, it could have mentally affected us.