‘Our aim is to win trophies’: Maresca sets target for Man City ahead of new season
New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca has set his sights on continuing the club’s winning culture and maintaining the high standards established during Pep Guardiola’s hugely successful tenure.
Maresca, who has returned to Manchester City for a third stint, said winning trophies remains the primary objective as he begins a new chapter with the Premier League giants.
“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. I’m very excited for many reasons, and the biggest one is the size of the club. That has always been a big factor for me,” Maresca told Jio Hotstar.
“The project here is ambitious, and I feel this is the right moment to be part of it. I know the club well, and I know what is expected. I’m looking forward to getting started and helping this team achieve great things.”
Maresca acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, given Manchester City’s remarkable success over the past decade and a half.
“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,” he said.
“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. The day-to-day work will also shape the way we approach things,” he added.
The Italian believes his previous association with the club will help him settle into the role, with several familiar faces still around the team.
“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,” Maresca said.
“It’s a big help for any manager when you already know the leadership group, the players, and the people around the club. That familiarity makes the transition much smoother,” he added.
Maresca also looked back fondly on Manchester City’s historic treble-winning 2022-23 season, describing it as an unforgettable experience.
“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 said.
“That was a fantastic feeling. It was an important journey for sure, and it showed what this club is capable of,” Maresca added.
Manchester City finished second in the points table last season and will look to open their title hunt with a win in their campaign opener in the Premier League 2026-27 against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.
–IANS
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