Manchester City defender, Josko Gvardiol, has backed new manager Enzo Maresca to succeed Pep Guardiola, describing the Italian as “the perfect one” to lead the former Premier League champions into a new era.
Maresca officially began his reign on Saturday, overseeing City’s first match under his management in a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong.
The Italian replaced Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season after a decade in charge that delivered multiple domestic and international trophies.
Speaking after the match, Gvardiol said Maresca had earned the opportunity to lead the club and urged patience as the team adapts to a new style of play.
“The level is that high and he has been chosen with reason as the manager,” Gvardiol said.
“I think he has a quality, has some new ideas and also we need to see what we are going to do, the style of play, the football we are going to play and the tactics.
“I think he is a perfect one, but of course, it takes time. It’s something totally new; it’s not easy to change the manager, so we will take time.
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“It’s our job to help him as much as possible and also to listen to try to adapt as quickly as possible.”
The Croatia international revealed he had already spoken with Maresca about his recovery from injury and his previous role under Guardiola.
“I met him, we spoke a little bit about my injury, also how we played, how I played before with Pep, and that’s it, more or less,” he said.
Gvardiol also reflected on Guardiola’s departure, saying the timing of the announcement was appropriate despite speculation over the Spaniard’s future during the season.
“Some would say he could have told us earlier, some would say not,” he said.
“I think it was perfect timing because it can affect you mentally if he would have said it earlier.
“We knew at some point he had to tell us. He has been here for 10 years, and it is time to rest a little bit and retire. We could feel it.”
The defender added that Guardiola’s decision came after a demanding spell at the club.
“Unfortunately, it was time for him to go, but who knows with him, maybe after six months when he gets the energy back.”
