Maresca needs time to succeed after ‘big changes’ at Man City

AFP | London

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Enzo Maresca insists he can replicate Manchester City's success under Pep Guardiola if he is given time to handle the "big changes" at the club.

Maresca takes charge of his first Premier League game as City boss when Bournemouth visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Italian has been hired to replace Guardiola after City's legendary manager resigned at the end of last season.

Guardiola won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, during a glorious decade at the Etihad Stadium.

Filling the void left by the Spaniard is a daunting task for former Chelsea boss Maresca, who has arrived in Manchester at a time of change on the pitch as well.

Rodri, John Stones and Bernardo Silva have all left, while Savinho is on the verge of joining Tottenham.

City haven't won the title since 2024 and last season finished seven points behind champions Arsenal, who thrashed them 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend to underline the size of the challenge facing Maresca.

"When you make many changes, not only the manager, Rodri was here, John (Stones) was here, Bernardo (Silva) was here. It's a big change, but it doesn't mean that we won't be ready to compete," Maresca told reporters yesterday.

"It's a context, it's not an excuse. We need to be ready, I want to compete. The reason I'm here is because I want to try and win titles, and carry on what this club stands for in the last 15 years."