--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-25T17:49:07.001Z last_updated: 2026-07-25T05:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/manchester-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWFuY2hlc3RlcmV2ZW5pbmduZXdzLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0L2Zvb3RiYWxsL2Zvb3RiYWxsLW5ld3MvZW56by1tYXJlc2Nhcy1maXJzdC1tYW4tY2l0eS0zNDM0NjQ5MQ --- # Maresca's first City impression offers insight into how he aims to follow Pep - **Source:** - **Published:** 25 Jul - **Club:** Manchester City - **Original URL:** https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/enzo-marescas-first-man-city-34346491 Enzo Maresca reserved his biggest press conference smile for the mention of Jack Grealish. The new Manchester City manager faced the media for the first time on Friday afternoon since being confirmed as Pep Guardiola's successor and tackled questions on transfers and tactics. The mention of Grealish, back at City after a loan spell at Everton last season and out of contract next summer, brought a broad grin. The two had a strong relationship during the season Maresca spent as Guardiola's assistant, a campaign in which Grealish played his best football for City as they won the Treble. Indeed the two have kept in touch since and the affection with which Maresca spoke about Grealish reinforced the reputation that he forges a bond with players like few other managers. Get all the best Man City news, updates and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the MEN! To get it, it's a simple one-two punch. Players from Maresca's former clubs, Leicester City and Chelsea, have spoken since the Italian's departure about how much they liked and valued him and how much he was missed when he left. That ability to bring the best out of people is a valued trait and when you combine it with the history of success he had in the East Midlands and the capital then it points to a bright future. Whether Grealish remains at the Etihad into next season remains to be seen, but that was a snapshot into Maresca's relationship with players and his ability to bring the best out of individuals in a competitive and elite environment. It was telling too that the new Blues chief had spoken to Jeremy Doku during the World Cup after the winger came in for high-profile - if utterly ridiculous - criticism for temporarily leaving the Belgium camp to attend the birth of his first child. Maresca also got in touch with Phil Foden after the City star, whose new contract was confirmed this week, was left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad. Foden himself lavished praise on his new boss earlier this week: “I can’t wait to work with Enzo again," he said. "He was brilliant during the Treble season – someone all the players respected and loved working with. To have him back here is exciting." Maresca is excited too. He had no doubts in following on from Guardiola, a position some could see as a poisoned chalice. The Blues chief spoke about the difficulties encountered by Manchester United and Arsenal in maintaining success following the end of lengthy and successful managerial eras, but he's not afraid of the situation and he doesn't fear a repeat. There is an inner belief in himself and the club. The fact he has worked at City before will stand him in good stead, first with the academy and then the senior squad, offering him an insight into not only the players but the culture and the club. He knows many of the staff working at the training ground, he left an imprint and an impression. He already feels and looks at home Wearing a black t-shirt and arriving a little earlier than his scheduled start time, Maresca was calm and composed in his press conference. Softly spoken, polite and to the point, the new boss answered every question succinctly enough. There were no brazen statements, no wild gestures, no huge promises, just a desire and a determination to get to work and build on the greatest era this club has ever seen. Maresca is ready and raring to go. City will be too.