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.