Maresca aims to bring ‘new concepts’ to Manchester City in post-Guardiola era

Enzo Maresca is set to lead Manchester City onto the pitch for the first time as manager, facing Inter Milan in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong. Taking over from the legendary Pep Guardiola, who secured 20 trophies during his decade at the Etihad Stadium, Maresca aims to instill his own ideas into the squad.

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We're going to be judged, always -- not just tomorrow. We started 10 days ago, all together, we are introducing some new concepts, so it's also important tomorrow to see something. I don't believe in copy and paste. I think every manager (is) different... so it's my target, my duty, to try to introduce some new ideas.

"We're going to be judged, always -- not just tomorrow," Maresca stated at a press conference. "We started 10 days ago, all together, we are introducing some new concepts, so it's also important tomorrow to see something. I don't believe in copy and paste. I think every manager (is) different... so it's my target, my duty, to try to introduce some new ideas."

Several prominent City players, including top scorer Erling Haaland and captain Rodri, have not traveled for the Asia tour. Rodri is recovering from minor back surgery and has been linked with Real Madrid, though Maresca dismissed these as "speculation," emphasizing the player needs rest after the World Cup. Inter Milan has also announced the signing of former City defender John Stones, with coach Cristian Chivu highlighting his quality and experience.

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For us, having the possibility to get John Stones (as) a free agent, it's important. It's important for the quality he brings, it's important for the personality, for the charisma he has, for the experience that he has shown. It's one defender added to our group of defenders who will definitely improve the department.

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish addressed speculation about his absence from the tour, clarifying on social media that he is still recovering from season-ending surgery on a foot injury sustained in February. He stated he is not yet training and has not been "left out," refuting claims that he is not part of Maresca's plans for the upcoming campaign.

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Just to let you know I’m still recovering from an injury so I’m not training yet. Haven’t been ‘left out’ so stop talking poo poo thank