Earlier this summer, Maresca was entrusted with the huge honour and responsibility of succeeding Pep Guardiola who opted to step down in May after an incredible decade at the Club which saw him lead the side to 20 major trophies.
It was a daunting prospect – but the Italian arrived armed with a fine managerial reputation as well as the crucial experience of two hugely successful previous spells at the Club, first as Lead Coach of our Under-21s and then as part of Pep’s coaching staff in the historic 2022/23 Treble season.
Ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup third round tie with Norwich, Maresca has overseen a fine start to season with City winning all four Premier League games to date as well as a demanding UEFA Champions League opener away to FC Porto.
And, in a special interview with City Studios reflecting on the summer, the 2026 transfer window and beyond, Viana spoke about how his and Maresca’s aims and ambitions for the Club were perfectly aligned.
“Enzo knew the club already. He worked for Manchester City before. He was not a new face in the building,” Viana pointed out.
“He has settled really well but he’s also brought his new ideas and own way doing things. It’s a different approach of course.
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“We lost Pep, a legend of the club but Enzo is doing really well.
“We are building a really strong relationship.
“It’s a big challenge for me, him and all of us.
“But we have the same ambition to keep Manchester City competing to the highest level and we’re all confident.”
Alongside Maresca’s appointment, it also proved a transformative summer in terms of City’s playing squad.
Whilst a raft of hugely experienced players such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Rodri all moved on to fresh challenges abroad, City moved to bring in a host of new, exciting young talent.
It was a demanding and intense period – but Viana believes the Club have come out of it with a squad ideally equipped to further challenge for success - both looking to the short and long term.
And one that has been shaped in keeping with Maresca’s philosophy and aims.
“It was a different summer because a new manager came in, new faces, a World Cup,” Viana pointed out.
“Everything was a little bit later than normal, but it was important to stay calm and stick to our plan and be patient.
“We had a look at some really good options for the positions we wanted to bring in new players. I think we did a good window.
“When your coach is happy, you should be happy too.
“We are truly happy with the window, and we all believe that we bought the players that fit for Enzo’s style of playing. We also managed very well the outgoings.
“We have a really young squad. In terms of average [age], we have one year less than last year.
“Of course, we brought the players that we all believe will be important this season and for the next three, four, five years.
“I think myself, Ferran [CEO Ferran Soriano, Khaldoon [Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak] and Enzo, we are really confident that we have a squad for the next years.
“It’s important for them to understand that we want to keep them for the next years.
“If we can, we want to win but at least we will compete very seriously in all competitions.”
City v Sunderland: Tickets on general sale!
Don’t miss our Premier League encounter with AFC Sunderland – with tickets on general sale.
Our clash with the Black Cats takes place on Sunday 20 September at the Etihad Stadium with a 14:00 (UK) kick-off.
There’s four tickets available to purchase per supporter as well as three additional spots for Season Ticket Members.
Last time out, we defeated the Wearsiders 3-0 thanks to goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden.
Make sure you secure your spot at the Etihad Stadium as we look for another three points this season.
