New Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has revealed Pep Guardiola brought him to Manchester City in the knowledge that he wanted to pursue a career in management.
The Italian was announced as the new Foxes boss tasked with bouncing them back up to the Premier League last week. He had been welcomed back into City by Guardiola last summer after enjoying success with the academy in previous years.
After guiding the Under-23s to the Premier League 2 trophy, Maresca departed for Parma in 2021 before being dismissed after six months. In June 2022, he returned to the Etihad as part of Guardiola’s backroom staff but delivered a caveat upon his appointment.
“From the very first moment Pep knew that I really wanted to go on to be a manager,” Maresca told The Telegraph. “He knew that I think he is the best coach in the world and that I went there to help and work with him. But he always encouraged me to keep progressing.”
ALSO READ: Enzo Maresca's history with Man City
Leicester had first approached him when Brendan Rodgers exited in April, but Maresca wanted to see through the season at City.
“We were involved in playing so many games in all the different competitions,” he explained. “I left everything to one side until after the Champions League final.”
Leicester then contacted him again with Dean Smith set to end his spell at the club, and a deal was struck. Maresca is unapologetic in his aim to see the former Premier League champions return to the top flight at the first attempt.
Will he be looking to loan in some City youngsters to help with that? “One or two of them would do us nicely!” he laughed.
“City really do have a lot of young players that I know very well, having worked with them at under-23 level and coached there this season.
"Top-quality players, but it wouldn’t be right to mention any names just at the moment because the lads will be away on holiday and maybe thinking about what’s next for them.”
And what about that photo of Jack Grealish giving him a warm embrace during the Treble celebrations?
“We were partying for a few days,” Maresca said.“I wouldn’t be able to do that [keep pace with Grealish]! I don’t have as much staying power as that!”
