“I don’t know how it started” – Enzo Maresca’s hilarious Manchester City nickname revealed | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca already has his training ground nickname at Manchester City, and one that goes back to his former spells at the club as Academy coach and first-team assistant.

The atmosphere around the City Football Academy received an injection of energy just 24 hours before first-team manager Enzo Maresca officially takes the reins upon the commencement of his contract on July 1.

Following a week that saw Sporting Director Hugo Viana finalise a £17 million compensation settlement with Chelsea to secure Pep Guardiola’s successor, the club is understandably overjoyed with the Italian’s third, and most prominent, stint at the Etihad Stadium.

Maresca previously established institutional roots across the campus by steering the Elite Development Squad (EDS) to a Premier League 2 title in 2021 before serving as Guardiola’s assistant during the historic 2022/23 Treble campaign.

While tactical flexibility and rigorous data mastery remain the cornerstones of Maresca’s philosophy, his innate ability to connect with staff members on a human level has emerged as a vital asset.

Enzo Maresca’s hilarious Man City nickname revealed

As revealed by The Telegraph’s James Ducker, Enzo Maresca would walk into the training ground at Manchester City during his former spells at the club, spot another ‘follically challenged’ staff member, and enjoyed a laugh and the same greeting.

On one side, one would quip, “Morning, baldie,” before the response was, “All right, baldie.” A former staff member recalled, “I don’t know how it started. It just got said one day and it stuck. Enzo was top.”

It’s straight to work for Maresca and Man City

This approachable persona will serve Maresca incredibly well when he first meets his squad for pre-season training before they as a collective board a flight for their tour of Hong Kong and South Korea for three friendly matches.

Concurrently, maintaining a relaxed, harmonious environment will assist the organisation as they navigate several summer transfer files, including reported interest in Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto.

There is also work to be done in midfield, and particularly at a time when Rodri requires immediate post-World Cup surgery on an unnamed injury, reportedly leaving the Spaniard unavailable for the start of Manchester City’s new season.

Among the names to have interested Manchester City in the central midfield roles, and in addition to the deal completed for Elliot Anderson, include the likes of Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.