After enjoying a stellar playing career which saw him enjoy success with Juventus and Sevilla amongst a number of clubs, the Italian has carved out a fine coaching reputation over the past few seasons.
Having been appointed as our new EDS head coach late last month, Maresca is preparing for his second Premier League 2 game in charge this Friday night when City’s youngsters make the short trip to Blackburn, which will be broadcast live on CITY+.
For his part, Egan-Riley who captained the EDS side to great effect in our action-packed 3-3 PL2 opening day draw with Derby and impressive 3-0 EFL Trophy win at Mansfield, says he is hugely excited at the prospect of working under the new boss.
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“When I heard Enzo was coming in, I was really excited as obviously he had a really good playing career,” Egan-Riley revealed.
“He’s a very knowledgeable. As a player, he played in a lot of different countries and had a lot of success and experience and worked with a lot of different managers.
“The first day I met him you could tell he was such a knowledgeable football man with such a lot to offer us as a team and for us all personally as we hopefully step up to the men’s game.
“I’m very excited to work with him and the rest of the coaching staff.
“So far, the training sessions have been really good, and he has already given us some very important tips.”
Deployed further forwards from his usual centre half berth as a holding midfielder, Egan-Riley has performed with great maturity and discipline in the opening two games of the campaign.
He has also been entrusted with the captaincy and has led by example with his drive and determination encapsulating a positive mindset running through the squad.
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And though City were frustrated to concede two late goals at home to Derby which forced us to settle for a 3-3 draw, Egan-Riley says there is a collective determination to learn from that starting with Friday’s trip to Blackburn.
“I think I have had a good start to the season and it helps that the new manager has come in and told us he wants us to enjoy our football,” Egan-Riley added.
“The holding role is a position I’ve not played in too much – I’ve been used to playing more at centre back. To be higher up the pitch is good. It’s a different test for me as the game is 360 degrees whereas at centre back I can see everything in front of me.
“I’m enjoying playing there but I’ll play wherever the manager wants me to.
“It was good to captain the boys. On and off the pitch I want to help the boys as much as I can to make it easier for them.
“At the end of the day all I want to do win but on a personal note to be captain for the first couple of games was great.
“The manager has encouraged us to play with freedom and that’s especially good for our attacking players as it gives them more scope to create assists and goals.
“The feeling after the Derby game last weekend was that everyone was gutted but afterwards I said: ‘Remember this feeling now and let’s not let that happen again this week.”
