Maresca embraces succeeding ‘best coach in the world’ Guardiola at Man City | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca is ready to embrace the challenge of replacing the best coach in the world after succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The former Manchester City assistant has returned to the Etihad to replace Guardiola, who stepped down from his role at the end of last season.

Guardiola won sixPremier League titles during a record-breaking reign with the Cityzens, winning 20 trophies across his decade with the club.

Maresca said he feels as if he has returned 'home' after returning to Manchester, but acknowledged the size of the task ahead of him.

He called Guardiola 'the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years' and said history shows coaches have faced challenges when replacing long-serving coaches.

“Back home” and ready: Maresca embraces the “privilege” and “challenge” of replacing Guardiola at Man City

"I feel like [I am] back home. I feel very good. The feeling, since day one, has been brilliant so happy," he said at apress conference.

"I want to say it is a privilege because the reason why the club decided to go for me, that is a privilege. I have said many times, I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years. It is a challenge. It is nice, it is a privilege.

"Also the history of the manager with many years in the same club, they struggle a bit. Sir Alex, Arsene. But it is also a challenge to do the right things."

Maresca added that he has been given assurances that the board will be patient in the new era.

"First of all I know the organisation quite well and the people inside the club from years ago. I just said before that when a club has three managers in almost 20 years, it shows how serious [they are]. The structure understands to give time for everything.