Arteta surprisingly speaks bluntly about the ability of Guardiola's successor at Man City

Mikel Arteta is convinced that Enzo Maresca possesses the necessary skills to follow in Pep Guardiola's footsteps at Manchester City, and he even considers the Italian manager to be just as talented as the iconic former boss before his first competitive outing in the FA Community Shield.

Manchester City is about to enter the first official match of the post-Pep Guardiola era, but Mikel Arteta does not believe that the departure of the Spanish manager will significantly weaken Arsenal's biggest rival.

Ahead of the Community Shield clash between Arsenal and Man City, Arteta specifically mentioned Enzo Maresca. The Gunners' boss knows Guardiola well after his time as an assistant at the Etihad, and he also holds a very high opinion of the man who has just taken over the hot seat from the FA Cup champions.

When discussing the Man City managers he has faced, Arteta lavished praise on Guardiola before turning to his successor.

"Pep is a special person. He set standards that perhaps no one has ever achieved before. And now it's Enzo, someone who is equally outstanding. I know him very well and I believe Enzo will bring something different to Man City,"Arteta shared.

Arteta's comments are particularly noteworthy because Maresca is taking on one of the most high-pressure jobs in European football. Guardiola left the Etihad after 10 years with six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League trophy. He not only delivered a string of honors but also built a tactical system and football culture that became the identity of the club throughout a decade.

Maresca therefore has to take over a team that has been almost entirely built according to Guardiola's philosophy, while comparisons with his predecessor will emerge from the very first matches. However, the 46-year-old strategist has a major advantage: he is a product of that system. Maresca previously worked at Man City and was a member of Guardiola's coaching staff during the historic treble-winning season.

However, Maresca will not take over the machine Guardiola left completely intact. Man City has entered a significant squad transition, with the departure of experienced figures like Bernardo Silva and John Stones, while continuing to rejuvenate the squad and build a new system around Erling Haaland, Rodri (if the Spanish midfielder stays), Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku.

The focal point of that process is Elliot Anderson. Man City spent as much as £116 million to bring the England international from Nottingham Forest, making him the most expensive signing in club history. Anderson is expected to become the link that balances City's midfield thanks to his ability to win duels, press, and move the ball forward, while connecting the more creative players behind him with Haaland up front.

In other words, Maresca must both inherit the foundation Guardiola left behind and quickly create his own version of Man City. And he has almost no time for experimentation.

In his very first official match in his new role, Maresca will lead Man City against Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The Italian manager has made it clear that this is not just a pre-season warm-up, but the first opportunity for him and his new team to win a trophy.

What makes it even more interesting is that the person who gave Maresca the strongest vote of confidence ahead of his debut is none other than Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal boss believes his colleague has the ability to continue Guardiola's success, but he will also be the first to test that claim directly on the pitch.