Josko Gvardiol says new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is a perfect one for the club. Ex-Chelsea manager Maresca has been installed as Man Citys new manager following Pep Guardiolas departure after 10 hugely successful years in charge at the end of last season.The Italian, a former assistant to Guardiola at City, has signed a three-year deal at the Etihad, having won the Championship with Leciester and the Club World Cup and Conference League at Chelsea.And after his first game in charge as City lost to Inter Milan on penalties in Hong Kong, Gvardiol is encouraged by how things have started so far.The level is that high and he has been chosen with reason as the manager, said Gvardiol.I think he has a quality, has some new ideas and also we need to see what we are going to do [with] the style of [play], the football we are going to play and the tactics.I think he is a perfect one, but of course, it takes time. Its something totally new, its not easy to change the manager, so we will take time.Its our job to help him as much as possible and also to listen to try to adapt as quick as possible.I met him, we spoke a little bit about my injury [and] also how we played, how I played before with Pep, and thats it, more or less.Table of ContentsGvardiol: We could feel Guardiola exit was comingDias could be Man City captainGvardiol: We could feel Guardiola exit was comingGuardiolas exit was finally confirmed at the end of the 2025-26 season after speculation throughout the campaign that it could be his final campaign in charge.And Gvardiol, who missed a significant part of the season through injury, said the players could feel his exit was imminent.Some would say he could have told us earlier, some would say not, said Gvardiol.I think it was perfect timing because it can affect you mentally if he would have said it earlier.We knew at some point he has to tell us. He has been here for 10 years and it is time to rest a little bit and retire. We could feel it.[The 2024-25 season] he was in between, about to leave, then he stayed great because it was another season to try to win something. Two seasons ago we struggled, 13 games without winning.Unfortunately it was time [for him] to go but who knows with him, maybe after six months when he gets the energy back.Dias could be Man City captainMan City are yet to confirm who will be captain under Maresca next season after Bernardo Silvas departure to Real Madrid. Centre-back Ruben Dias and Spain skipper Rodri are candidates to take on the captains armband, and Gvardiol spoke highly of the formers credentials.Asked about the clubs leadership group, Gvardiol said: Its difficult to tell you about this but we need to see.Ruben is one of the leaders in our team and he is probably going to be on the top now maybe the most important one.He will need some guys who have been here for a longer time. So if thats on me, I will take responsibility. Topics Manchester City F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Maresca picks out player who impressed him most in Manchester City debut Mitch Fretton 1st August, 2026 Manchester City 1-1 Inter Milan: Report, result and goals as Marescas first game ends with shootout defeat Mitch Fretton 1st August, 2026 Man City away kit 2026/27: Full details on new shirt and strip Ben Miller 1st August, 2026 Manchester City v Inter Milan: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as Maresca starts reign in Hong Kong Jon Fisher 1st August, 2026 Manchester City vs Inter Milan: Line-ups confirmed for clash in Hong Kong Mitch Fretton 1st August, 2026 City boss Maresca dismisses reports of Real Madrid move for Rodri as speculation and insists Spain skipper will return to Manchester Jon Fisher 31st July, 2026
