Enzo Maresca Credits Pep Guardiola for ‘Changing Football’ in Spain, Germany, and England
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped major praise on his former colleague and current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, declaring him the most transformative coach of the modern era.
Maresca, who spent a season working alongside Guardiola during Manchester City’s historic Treble-winning campaign, has long been influenced by the Catalan’s tactical principles. His own philosophy at Leicester City and now Chelsea clearly reflects Guardiola’s focus on positional play, structured possession, and intelligent pressing.
The Italian emphasised that Guardiola’s ideas have not only shaped individual clubs but have reshaped football culture across Spain, Germany, and England during his time at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
Maresca Reveals Pep Inspired His Coaching Career
Speaking to reporters this week, Maresca admitted that Guardiola’s Barcelona side was the catalyst behind his decision to become a manager:
“I decided to be a manager because of Pep’s team, Barcelona years ago.”
He went on to explain that while many styles of play exist, his own has been heavily shaped by Guardiola’s ideas:
“I chose mine years ago, and this will be the way I like to watch my team playing football, and also in the future.”
‘He Changed Football’ Across Europe
Maresca expanded on Guardiola’s unprecedented influence across the major European leagues:
“I don’t think anyone can be compared to that Barcelona, and to Pep. They changed football in Spain, where every club was trying to play in that way.”
He added that Guardiola’s impact followed him to Germany:
“Then Pep moved to Germany and everyone was trying to play in that way. The German international team won something in those years.”
And finally, his arrival in England reshaped the Premier League:
“When Pep came to England, many clubs tried to do something similar. Even the England national team. In the last 20–25 years, he changed football.”
A Growing Managerial Rivalry
The admiration Maresca holds for Guardiola hints at a respectful rivalry that could become one of the Premier League’s most fascinating storylines in the coming seasons. Both coaches favour disciplined possession, aggressive pressing, and tactical control — making future matches between Chelsea and Manchester City compelling tactical battles.
From City’s perspective, Guardiola is unlikely to be distracted by the praise, but he will recognise the rise of a former colleague now managing at the top level. As Maresca continues to build Chelsea in his mentor’s image, their meetings promise to become a defining fixture in the league.
