Enzo Maresca ready for 'instant scrutiny' as Man City era begins

Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola last month following the Spaniard's remarkable 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, during which he guided the club to 20 trophies. Now the former Chelsea and Leicester City manager is beginning a new chapter with City on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Speaking ahead of the friendly, Maresca admitted expectations will be high despite only having a short time to work with his players.

"We're going to be judged, always - not just tomorrow," Maresca said.

"We started 10 days ago, all together, we are introducing some new concepts, so it's also important tomorrow to see something."

The Italian stressed that he is not trying to recreate Guardiola's style and wants to build a team with its own identity.

"I don't believe in copy and paste. I think every manager is different, so it's my target, my duty, to try to introduce some new ideas," he said.

City's squad for the tour does not include several players who featured at the World Cup. Erling Haaland and Rodri have both been left at home, with Rodri recovering from minor back surgery after captaining Spain to World Cup glory.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Maresca dismissed the speculation and insisted there have been no discussions over the player's future.

"The main focus for him when the season finished was the World Cup. Now he is enjoying some rest," Maresca said.

"Every manager in the world wants Rodri because he's a top player, so it's important for me, for the club, for everyone, but now he needs his holiday."

Saturday's match will also give Inter Milan supporters their first look at new signing John Stones, who joined the Italian club on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City when his contract expired.

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu believes the experienced England defender will make an immediate impact.

"For us, having the possibility to get John Stones as a free agent, it's important," Chivu said.

"It's important for the quality he brings, it's important for the personality, for the charisma he has, for the experience that he has shown.

"It's one defender added to our group of defenders who will definitely improve the department."

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