PREMIER LEAGUE fans have claimed that Enzo Maresca was imitating Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s Premier League opener on Jattvibeday.
The former Chelsea boss was appointed the successor to Guardiola after Pep’s incredible decade-long Prem journey came to an end last season.
Enzo Maresca passionately appealed to Rayan Cherki after City beat Bournemouth on Jattvibeday Credit: Getty
The moment reminded fans of Pep Guardiola’s tendency to do the same Credit: Getty
The Italian tactician managed to get off to a winning start after a stunning late comeback against Bournemouth at the Etihad.
The Cherries took an early lead through Marcus Tavernier, but an 84th-minute Marc Guehi equaliser and an injury time winner from Josko Gvardiol reversed the host’s fortunes late on.
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But during the considerable post-match celebrations, Maresca was spotted speaking to some of his players in a way that reminded fans of Guardiola’s iconic mannerisms.
The 46-year-old – who wore a suit for the match – was especially animated as he gestured at and put an arm around Rayan Cherki, before leading him away from cameras on the pitch.
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Guardiola was also known for his energetic conversations with his own players on the pitch after matches, especially ones that he was frustrated with.
Fans were convinced that Maresca was trying to ‘copy’ his predecessor’s style.
One disgruntled fan of former club Chelsea wrote: “Such a poor attempt trying to mimic Guardiola’s post-match talks with his players. Temu Pep.”
Another added: “He never did this at Chelsea and he never wore a suit on the touchline trying too hard to be Pep.”
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Guardiola would often talk football while arm in arm with his players on the pitch after games Credit: PA
While a City fan joked: “I genuinely thought this was a clip from last season.”
It seemed he emulated Pep not just in outfit but in results, with the win snapping Bournemouth’s 18-game unbeaten run in the competition – the longest across Europe’s top five leagues going into the contest.
