'It's a privilege' - Enzo Maresca embraces Pep Guardiola challenge at Man City

The Italian was confirmed as Guardiola's successor after the Spaniard brought an end to his remarkable 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium. 

During that time, Guardiola guided City to 20 major trophies and established the club as one of Europe's dominant forces.

Speaking at his first press conference as City boss on Friday, Maresca praised the man he is replacing.

"First of all, I have to say that it's a privilege," Maresca said.

"I've said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20, 25 years. But again, it's a challenge. It's nice. It's a privilege."

Replacing a manager with Guardiola's record is no easy task. Several clubs have struggled after the departure of long-serving, trophy-winning coaches, with Manchester United's decline following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 often used as the biggest example.

However, Maresca believes Manchester City's strong structure gives the club every chance of maintaining its success.

"I think the organisation is the main thing," he said.

"They had three managers in 17 years. This is not normal, it doesn't happen often.

"So this is probably one of the things that I'm confident that we can do a great job."

Maresca arrives with experience in English football after previous spells in charge of Chelsea and Leicester City.

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