“Not now” – Pep Guardiola made his feelings clear on Enzo Maresca ahead of Chelsea vs Man City first Premier League clash
Enzo Maresca has previously been discussed by Pep Guardiola prior to Manchester City’s opening-day match against Chelsea.
The Premier League schedule for the 24–25 season was announced on Tuesday morning.
The reigning champions, City, will play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in an attempt to win their fifth consecutive championship.
In the meanwhile, Arsenal will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United will host Fulham, and new Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s Premier League debut will take place away to newly promoted Ipswich Town.
The opening weekend’s match between Chelsea and City at Stamford Bridge will bring new manager Maresca back together with Guardiola, whom he worked under at the Etihad.
Reports claims Pep thinks is to earlier to meet Chelsea in the Premier League fixture as he faces one of his former assistant coach.
Pep said “Not now”
Meanwhile, Back in 2021, Guardiola made a big prediction about Maresca when speaking about the work he’s done with the academy.
The City boss said at the time: “I am delighted with Enzo Maresca in the EDS, I have a feeling he will be an incredible manager like I had with Mikel Arteta…”
Since that comment was made, Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a title-challenging side, having pushed City close in the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, Maresca got his first taste of managing in English football when he was hired by Leicester City.
The Italian went on to lead the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, winning the Championship title along the way.
Speaking after being appointed as Chelsea boss, Maresca said: “To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach.
“It is why I am so excited by this opportunity. I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.”