Following his recent five-year contract extension at Manchester City, defender Josko Gvardiol has expressed confidence in new manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach faces the significant challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola, who concluded a highly successful ten-year tenure at the club last season.
Maresca, who signed a three-year contract, previously achieved success at Leicester City and Chelsea. He made his debut on the sidelines for City during a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, which ended in a penalty shootout loss.
Gvardiol highlighted Maresca’s tactical quality and fresh approach, noting that while the transition will require patience, the players are committed to adapting quickly to the new system. The defender noted that he has already discussed his personal recovery from a leg injury with the new manager.
Reflecting on Guardiola’s departure, Gvardiol noted that the timing felt appropriate for the veteran manager to retire and recharge. Regarding team leadership following the exits of players like Bernardo Silva, Gvardiol identified teammate Ruben Dias as a primary candidate for the captaincy, stating that he is prepared to step into a leadership role himself if called upon.
