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Chris Sutton has questioned the potential appointment of Manchester City’s Under-23 manager Enzo Maresca at Celtic on the , amid reports that the Scottish giants are keen on luring him north of the border.
Maresca, 41, has caught the eye with his work at Manchester City. Working under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Maresca is becoming renowned for his tactical nous, man management and specialising in working with younger players.
The former Juventus midfielder has also worked under Manuel Pellegrini as assistant manager at West Ham – but is yet to embark on a managerial job at senior level of his own. that Maresca is a target for the Hoops.
But asked about the potential arrival of Maresca at Parkhead, Sutton was unsure. He believes that while the Italian might be a “brilliant coach” – he questioned whether he has the personality that Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has shown to take over.
“He’s been assistant [at West Ham] and is managing City’s 23’s,” Sutton said. “That is a big ask for him to step up to the Glasgow environment take over a club of Celtic’s size. Does he have the personality to cope? It is not impossible.
TBR’s view – Maresca’s connections could really benefit Celtic
His knowledge of Italian football and his work with City’s younger stars could give Maresca the advantage when it comes to the transfer market – an area that needs enormous improvement, after many questionable signings last summer.
But Sutton is also right to be sceptical. While Rangers risked hiring Gerrard in a manager that had not worked at senior level, the Gers were appointing a man for the long term. Celtic will be looking to win the title next season. That makes Maresca a risk.
