Enzo Maresca faced the media for the first time as Manchester City manager on Friday, officially beginning his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
The Italian reflected on the challenge of replacing Pep Guardiola, who won 20 major trophies in Manchester, and outlined the footballing philosophy he hopes to implement with the 10-time English champions.
However, Maresca refused to be drawn on Chelsea’s recent statement regarding his supposedly disruptive conduct when in charge at Stamford Bridge.
He also dismissed speculation linking star midfielder Rodri with La Liga giants Real Madrid and discussed Jack Grealish’s future at the club.
Replacing Guardiola
Speaking about the pressure of succeeding serial winner Guardiola, the 46-year-old said on Sky Sports: “First of all, it is a privilege because the reason why the club decided to go for him means it is a privilege.
“I have said many times that I consider Pep to be the best coach in the world for the last 20 years.
“It is a challenge but it is nice, a privilege.
“The manager, after so many years [with one person] at the club, always struggles a little bit – after Sir Alex [Ferguson] and Arsène [Wenger].
“It is a challenge to do the right things immediately, for this organisation, fans and everyone.”
Chelsea statement
Asked if he wanted to comment on his former club’s accusations, Maresca stated: “No.
“To be honest, I feel quite lucky in terms of my former clubs, Leicester [City] and Chelsea.
“We did great jobs at both clubs. The identity was clear and the success was clear.
“I feel very lucky to be part of these clubs, but we are here today.
“That is the most important thing – just about City.
“Nothing to add.”
READ MORE: Premier League news: New Man City signing Elliot Anderson praises ‘kings of Manchester’
Playing style
With regard to his style of play, the Italian explained: “I think there is a clear identity at the former clubs I have joined.
“That is probably the reason the club decide for me – they can see a similar concept with the previous manager.
“Be aggressive off the ball and control the game, be the ones to impose our idea.
“Try to do the most important thing, which is win the game.
“It is a matter of adapt. With time, everything changes. You need to adapt and to evolve.
“Set pieces and man-to-man [marking] is the direction football is going.
“At the end, we are managers and are in charge. It is our duty to find solutions.”
Rodri rumours
On the transfer rumours surrounding Rodri, who is set to undergo minor back surgery, Maresca added: “Around big players, there is always speculation.
“I am not worried about that; it is normal.
“They [Spain] won the World Cup and he was the best player.
“Every manager would want Rodri because he is a top player.
“For now, surgery on Monday and he needs a holiday – he needs to rest and needs recovery.
“Then he will be back with us.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: What Morgan Rogers brings to Chelsea: Tactical analysis of the blockbuster signing
Grealish future
Concerning Grealish’s future, Maresca told reporters: “Jack, at the moment, is here.
“He is a Man City player.
“I always say the same: if there are players who belong to the club, it is my duty to coach them.
“I have a good relation with Jack – he has a big heart and is a very good guy.
“We will see what will happen.”
READ NEXT: F1 news: 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix preview, predictions and weekend schedule
Nicole Powell 
SportJustSport writers