Maresca makes impossible job look easy with four wins from four

Enzo Maresca has guided Manchester City to four victories in his first four Premier League games, including a 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday with ten men. City sit joint-top with Arsenal, and the early signs suggest a two-horse title race is already forming.

  • Manager: Enzo Maresca, appointed in the summer to replace Pep Guardiola
  • Record: Four wins from four Premier League games; five straight victories in all competitions including Champions League at Porto
  • Latest result: 1-0 win at Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, despite Phil Foden's sending-off
  • Next match: Carabao Cup defence begins vs Norwich at the Etihad on Thursday (19:30 BST)
  • Following fixture: Sunderland at home in the Premier League three days later
  • Manager's quote: "Happy wife, happy life. For us, happy Erling, happy life."

What was said

"How do you say in English? Happy wife, happy life. For us, happy Erling, happy life."

— Enzo Maresca, on Erling Haaland's winner and contributions this season

"Be themselves."

— Pep Guardiola, when asked in May what advice he would give the next City manager

"There's obviously many things from training sessions to some details about the way we press, details about the way we defend that make all of these Enzo's idea. It's still a change, of course. Many things have changed, but in some ways continuity in terms of the way we are playing, and there are details that make it different. But still, all very similar to the way we have always behaved at the club."

— Ruben Dias, new City captain, speaking to BBC Sport

Maresca's jovial demeanour in news conferences is a striking contrast to Guardiola, who often looked like he would rather be anywhere else but in that chair. The Italian's light-hearted approach has clearly helped foster a relaxed atmosphere around the club.

Most tellingly, he has dismissed the inevitable comparisons with his legendary predecessor. When asked about Guardiola's shadow, Maresca insisted it "doesn't put pressure on me". That self-assurance is exactly what City targeted when they made him the only candidate for the job.

The numbers

  • Four Premier League victories from four matches
  • Five wins in all competitions, including a Champions League victory at Porto
  • One goal conceded in the 1-0 win at Manchester United, playing much of the game with ten men
  • Started the season with a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal

Injury and availability

Phil Foden is suspended following his sending-off against Manchester United. The Englishman will be unavailable for the Carabao Cup tie against Norwich and the Premier League fixture with Sunderland. No other injuries are reported in the source.

Maresca's calmness is his superpower – but the real test is yet to come

The most striking aspect of Maresca's early tenure is not the results but the composure. At Old Trafford, after Phil Foden's red card, he assessed the situation before acting. He shifted Rayan Cherki to the right and then replaced him at half-time with Iliman Ndiaye. That tactical tweak helped City see out the win. Compare that to his time at Chelsea, when Robert Sanchez was sent off after five minutes at the same venue; Maresca panicked, made two substitutions in seven minutes, shifted to a back five and still lost.

The house music in training – "boom, boom, boom" as Maresca calls it – is designed to make players "more happy" and "work better". It is a deliberate cultural shift from the intense, obsessive Guardiola era. Ruben Dias, the new captain, confirms the fundamentals remain, but the tweaks are all Maresca's: how City press, how they defend. That blend of continuity and fresh ideas is why the transition has been so smooth.

Yet the fixture list has been kind. Aside from the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, Maresca has faced no other traditional top-six side. Norwich and Sunderland are next – both winnable. The true test will come when City meet Arsenal again, or when they travel to Anfield or face a Champions League knockout tie. That is when the Guardiola comparisons will truly bite.

Talking points

  • Is Maresca's calm touchline demeanour a genuine advantage or will it be seen as passive when City hit a bad run? The contrast with Guardiola's frenetic energy is stark.
  • House music in training sounds fun, but is it a gimmick that will wear thin if results turn? Players respond to winning, not playlists.
  • City's early fixtures have been gentle. Arsenal, Liverpool and the Champions League knockouts will reveal whether this team is genuinely title-ready.
  • Foden's suspension could be a blessing in disguise, forcing Maresca to find alternative solutions and giving others a chance to impress.

What happens next

Manchester City begin their Carabao Cup defence against Norwich at the Etihad on Thursday (19:30 BST). Three days later they host Sunderland in the Premier League. Two wins would make it a near-perfect start to Maresca's reign and keep them joint-top with Arsenal. A slip, however, would hand the initiative to the Gunners and invite more questions about whether Maresca can truly fill Guardiola's shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Manchester City's new manager after Pep Guardiola?

Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola in the summer. He previously managed Chelsea and Leicester City.

How many games has Enzo Maresca won as Man City boss?

Maresca has won four Premier League games and five matches in all competitions. City opened the season with a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.

When do Man City play Norwich in the Carabao Cup?

City host Norwich at the Etihad on Thursday at 19:30 BST. They then face Sunderland in the Premier League three days later.

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