Former Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has cautioned Enzo Maresca that replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City represents one of football's most daunting challenges — even as he conceded it is a remarkable career opportunity.

Maresca officially put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Manchester City on Monday, taking charge of the club as it enters a new chapter following Guardiola's departure after nearly a decade at the helm.

Malouda's frank assessment

Speaking to Boylesports, Malouda argued that inheriting Guardiola's winning legacy and the deep structural imprint he left behind makes the role almost impossible for any incoming manager to navigate with ease.