Beijing time (CEST), June 29: Manchester City officially announced that Enzo Maresca has become the club's new head coach. He subsequently granted an exclusive interview to the club's official media. In the latter part of the interview, he recalled his previous work experience at Manchester City and discussed his expectations for the future. Related link:

Let's talk about your first spell at Manchester City, when you were in charge of the academy. You're very familiar with the club's youth system, and youth development is a fundamental part of the club's growth. How do you evaluate the quality of academy graduates today?

I don't recall the exact number of years, but almost all the players I trained in the academy back then now play in the Premier League. The club's youth development model and methods in recent years have helped young players grow consistently. To nurture young talent, the head coach must also be brave enough to give them playing opportunities, and we will continue to adhere to this principle.

Anyone who watched your youth team's matches back then is familiar with your tactical style. That team played beautiful football and performed exceptionally well. For fans unfamiliar with your style, how would you summarize your coaching philosophy or the football philosophy you advocate?

Not just at Manchester City's academy, but I also achieved good results coaching two other clubs before. But as I said earlier, the club wants to continue with Manchester City's football style from previous years, and this is also our next objective—it's also the coaching style I love. The core philosophy is to control the game as much as possible, press actively and aggressively when attacking, press with high intensity without the ball, and have clear, purposeful attacking intent with possession.

Let's talk about your second spell at Manchester City. The treble-winning season was arguably the most glorious year in the club's history. You were Guardiola's assistant then and were deeply involved in that journey. What unforgettable memories did that season leave you with?

As you said, it was an incredibly unforgettable moment, not just because the team won three trophies, but because the entire experience was unique. I still remember the crucial matches in the second half of the season: at home against Real Madrid, Bayern, Arsenal, Liverpool—the fans cheering with all their might, the atmosphere in the stadium was unmatched. The season ended perfectly, and the images of the championship parade are vivid in my memory. That feeling is indescribable, and this experience was destined to be extraordinary.

Your playing career is rich and exciting, and Manchester City's official website recently published several articles detailing your days as a player. I'd like to get your thoughts: you played for West Brom in the late 1990s and early 2000s, witnessing the Premier League of that era. How much has English football changed today?

It's completely different. In my opinion, these are two entirely different types of football; everything is constantly evolving and developing. Today, data systems and tactical analysis for teams and players are very comprehensive, which makes it easier for opponents to find ways to counter you.

Therefore, as a head coach, you must constantly innovate your thinking and adjust tactics. If you remain unchanged, it's easy for opponents to figure you out, and matches become difficult. The game has undoubtedly undergone tremendous changes over the past two decades.

You just mentioned your rich playing career. You played under many legendary coaches, including Ancelotti, Lippi, and Pellegrini—very familiar names to Manchester City fans. How have these renowned coaches influenced your understanding of football and your coaching philosophy? Do you feel very fortunate to have played under so many top-level coaches?

Indeed, I feel very fortunate. As a player, I absorbed the strengths of each coach. It was my good fortune to have worked and learned with the renowned coaches you just mentioned. Each has a distinct style: Lippi's leadership is superb, while Ancelotti is always calm and composed; both are hall-of-fame coaches. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from them.

Let's talk about your return to Manchester. This is the third time you're living here. Manchester has changed greatly over the years, with many new dining and leisure spots. What are you most looking forward to about returning to this city?

Not just me, but my family loves Manchester very much. We had two very comfortable years living here with our children. This time returning, we hope to continue enjoying the city and connect more with Manchester City fans and the city itself.

You just mentioned Manchester City fans—particularly the crucial battles at the end of the treble-winning season, where the fans' support really helped the team overcome many difficulties. We have an important home match at the start of the new season. How excited are you to enter the Etihad Stadium as first-team head coach, lead the team on a new journey, and have the fans' support?

I'm incredibly excited. I mentioned a few minutes ago that during those difficult matches against Bayern, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Madrid, the atmosphere created by the fans in the stadium was world-class. I have no doubt that, even after ten years of Guardiola's management, the fans will continue to fully support the team and the new head coach, and everything will develop positively.

Thank you very much for taking the time for today's interview. I wish you all the best in your new role; the entire team supports you, and we look forward to a successful season.

Thank you very much.

Traducido por IA.

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