Maresca praises City’s stability as Rodri’s future hangs in balance

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the media for the first time since his appointment at a Friday news conference, saying it feels “very good” to be back at Etihad Stadium and acknowledging early speculation surrounding defensive midfielder Rodri again.

Maresca recalled leaving his role as Manchester City assistant manager three years ago to become Leicester City boss, and now returns to the Etihad with a clear sense of purpose.

He praised the club’s stability, observing that "When a club has only changed managers three times in 17 years, it shows how serious the structure is" and added that the people understand the need to give time for everything.

Maresca said he has "no doubts" about following in the footsteps of serial‑winner Pep Guardiola, describing the appointment as a "privilege" and a "nice challenge".

Referencing Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger, he noted clubs often struggle after long‑serving managers leave, but added that City will "always try to be aggressive off the ball, control the game and be the ones forcing our idea – and, most importantly, try to win games."

He pointed to the "clear identity of football" he implemented at Leicester City and Chelsea, calling it his "duty to find solutions" for teams relying heavily on set‑pieces and man‑to‑man marking, while recognising the need to "adapt and evolve" and anticipating the full squad back in training "three or four days before the Community Shield final", enjoying the "young players who are full of energy".

Discussing transfer activity after securing Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson in a £116m deal, Maresca said there is "always something to be done because of the dynamic of the transfer window" and that a few matters are still in process.

Regarding Rodri, Maresca noted the World Cup winner is a "big player" but will undergo back surgery on Monday, followed by a holiday before returning, and highlighted his "good relationship" with Jack Grealish. He admitted it remains unclear whether Rodri’s future lies at City, and when asked about Leeds United’s reported interest in goalkeeper James Trafford, he replied, "When the transfer window is open, anything can happen. We will see with him but, at the moment, he is still one of our goalkeepers."