A Manchester City midfielder is enjoying learning from Maresca and he may be vital to his team

A Manchester City midfielder is enjoying learning from Maresca and he may be vital to his team Nico Gonzalez showed in the first preseason friendly against Inter Milan that Manchester City have played that there is a legitimate role for him in Enzo Maresca’s squad. Manchester City’s midfield struggled in the first half against the Serie A champions. Too often, Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo struggled with the role they were asked to play. They were played through and around far too often in the opening 45 minutes. At halftime, Nico Gonzalez came on and Rico Lewis moved into midfield. The difference in Manchester City’s performance was night and day with Nico in the number six role. Speaking with mancity.com , Nico Gonzalez has shared that the Manchester City squad is learning the Maresca way. The Spanish midfielder added that he is enjoying life under Enzo Maresca and the early signs are that he will have a role to play this season. The Manchester City squad are learning the Maresca way says Nico Gonzalez. In an interview on Manchester City’s official website, Nico Gonzalez has explained that the Manchester City squad is learning the Maresca way. The Spanish midfielder believes that this process will take time to become fully embedded. He explained: “ We won’t know everything that we could learn during the year before the first week of the season. But even when one year has passed, we will always keep learning. ” “ That’s football and that’s life. It’s not easy because some players will come the same week as the Community Shield but for us that have been here since day one it’s going to be easier to be ready for that match. ” Importantly, Nico Gonzalez added that he is loving life working with Enzo Maresca. This may indicate that the Spanish midfielder could have an important role to play this season for Manchester City. Nico added: “ I’ve been enjoying our sessions with Enzo. Obviously there are differences to last year with Pep but there are a lot of similarities in the way we are playing.It’s the same whole idea of high pressure and getting the ball as quick as possible and doing a lot of passes. ” “ It’s important that we keep the same level as we’ve been playing the last years and with that ambition. I think those are the ideas of Enzo and I am loving it. The season is so long so we have keep being ready to adapt to new things that Enzo asks us. “ Nico has served his apprenticeship at City and he should play a bigger role this season. Since signing for Manchester City from FC Porto in the January 2025 transfer window, Nico Gonzalez has served his apprenticeship at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. At times, Nico was vital to Pep Guardiola’s side. On other occasions, Nico was on the sidelines and barely got on the pitch. Rodri was in his way and Pep Guardiola preferred other players to play in midfield. Now looks to be the time for Nico Gonzalez to be a more consistent contributor for Manchester City. He is more than good enough. Irrespective of the competition for spots in Manchester City’s midfield, Nico has to stake his claim. He began that process in Manchester City’s friendly against Inter Milan. That is the first step Nico has to make now he has to build upon it. The fact that Nico is enjoying learning the Maresca way is also a good sign in this regard. Nico looks to be on the right path to become more than a bit-part player for Manchester City. Like many other players Nico has a fresh slate under Enzo Maresca. The Spanish midfielder can draw up his own path from here. Irrespective of what happens with Rodri’s future, or who else City sign in midfield, Nico looks to an important player for City due to the role that he plays. Hopefully, how much Nico is enjoying life under Maresca translates to a bigger role for him next season.