Follow Pep and find scoring options: Maresca’s Manchester City in-tray

New manager needs to gain true backing from the hierarchy by stepping out from Guardiola’s shadow

How Enzo Maresca follows Pep Guardiola is the searing question he has to answer – from fans, pundits, football scribes and, more vitally, where it matters: on the pitch. In 10 era-defining years Guardiola claimed 20 titles (including three Community Shields). Maresca was at his side for the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League of 2022-23. This is one calling card for the players he has to convince to follow him. Another is a single season, 2020-21, in charge of City’s elite development squad when they won the Premier League 2 title. Others are leading Leicester into the Premier League in 2024, and winning with Chelsea the 2025 Conference League and that summer’s Club World Cup with a 3-0 defeat of Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Over to you, Enzo.

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