Enzo Maresca has made clear he will not simply replicate the methods of Pep Guardiola as he begins life as Man City manager, describing himself as far from a "copy and paste" coach in his first press conference in charge.

The 46-year-old Italian faces one of football's most daunting briefs — following a predecessor who delivered six Premier League titles, an unprecedented four consecutive, and Man City's first Champions League triumph. Maresca, however, refuses to frame his appointment as an exercise in imitation.

"Every manager is different, day by day and approach to games," he said. "I don't see the football in the same way as the previous manager — that is why I don't believe in copy and paste. I think there is a clear identity at the former clubs I have joined."

A man with his own blueprint

Despite the obvious similarities observers have noted between Maresca's preferred style and Guardiola's possession-based system, Maresca is determined to carve out his own philosophy. He credited Guardiola's parting advice — "just be yourself," offered at his final press conference as City boss in May — as words he genuinely values.

Maresca has history with the club, having served as an academy coach before becoming Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-23 treble-winning season. This is now his third chapter at the Etihad.

"I have spoken with Pep a lot since he decided to leave the club," Maresca said. "He needs to enjoy his moment and I need to do my job and find a solution for myself. After 10 years, playing every three days, it is very demanding — he deserves a relax!"

Trophies the target, but process comes first

Maresca won the Championship with Leicester and the Premier League with Chelsea before arriving at Man City, and he is under no illusions about what is expected of him. Yet his approach prioritises the daily work over distant outcomes.

"With this kind of club, you need to win titles," he acknowledged. "But if you just focus on the final target, you miss all the previous parts. I am not thinking about May or June — I am thinking about now and tomorrow. We will see day by day."

His first competitive fixture is against Bournemouth on August 23.

Rodri set for back surgery

Maresca also confirmed that Rodri will undergo back surgery as early as next week. The Spain midfielder suffered ACL damage in 2024 and endured a disrupted campaign before lifting the World Cup this summer. No return date has been given.

Despite reports linking Rodri to Real Madrid, Maresca made clear he wants the former Ballon d'Or winner to remain at the club.

"Around a big player, there are always speculations, so I'm not worried about that," he said. "He won the World Cup — every manager wants to have Rodri because he's a top player. But now he has surgery on Monday, and he needs to rest, recover, and then he will be back here with us."

Captain yet to be chosen

With Bernardo Silva no longer at the club, Maresca confirmed that a new captain has not yet been appointed. He identified Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as candidates, adding that further names may yet be considered before a decision is made.