Enzo Maresca has outlined an unambiguous mandate for his tenure as Manchester City manager: win trophies and uphold the standards that defined the Pep Guardiola era. The Italian coach, who begins the Premier League 2026-27 season at the helm of one of English football's most decorated clubs, made his intentions clear in his first major interview since taking charge.

Maresca's Ambition and Mandate

Speaking to Jio Hotstar, Maresca was direct about what success looks like at the Etihad. 'The target is to continue the winning run and maintain the high standards of the past decade. I think the club wants to keep playing the same style of football, and that is one of the reasons I'm here. Our aim is to do what matters most in football: win trophies and achieve important things,' he said.

This is Maresca's third stint at Manchester City, having previously been part of the club's setup before moving on. He framed the return as a long-term commitment. 'This is the third time I am here at Manchester City. Hopefully, it's the last time I come back, and I don't leave anymore,' he told the broadcaster.

Why Familiarity Is an Advantage

Maresca acknowledged that returning to a familiar environment eases the pressure of a high-profile appointment. 'It's always easier when you join a club where you already have connections and know people inside the building. I know most of the staff here. In terms of the squad, I will probably find four or five players from the last time I was here,' he said.

That institutional knowledge — of staff, leadership group, and playing culture — is a tangible advantage for any incoming manager, particularly at a club where expectations are as exacting as they are at Manchester City. Maresca described the familiarity as making 'the transition much smoother.'

The Weight of the Guardiola Legacy

Maresca did not sidestep the scale of the challenge. Manchester City under Guardiola won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in a period of sustained dominance unprecedented in English football. 'It's a huge challenge to be the manager of a club like Manchester City, especially because of the success they've had over the last 15 years. But at the same time, it's an exciting challenge,' Maresca said.

He also reflected on the historic 2022-23 treble-winning season, which he was part of as a staff member. 'The 2022-23 season was incredible for many reasons. Not just because of the trophies we won, but also because of the whole experience. I still remember the final part of the season, the home games against Arsenal and Liverpool. The way the fans pushed the team and the atmosphere inside the stadium was unbelievable,' he recalled.

Season Opener and Immediate Focus

Manchester City finished second in the Premier League standings last season, a result that underscored the need for a reset. They open the 2026-27 campaign against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday, a fixture Maresca will be targeting for an early statement of intent. The day-to-day work, he stressed, will be as important as the broader vision. 'The day-to-day work will also shape the way we approach things,' he added.

With a clear mandate, institutional familiarity, and the weight of a storied legacy behind him, Maresca's opening weeks in charge will be closely watched across European football.