After a successful debut season, the Italian left his position as Head Coach of our Elite Development Squad (EDS) to take up a new challenge as manager of Italian side Parma.
Under Maresca’s guidance, City claimed a first Premier League 2 title in dominant fashion, winning the league with a 14-point margin and Doyle, who captained the side on occasion, credits the departing coach’s special bond with the players as the cornerstone of a memorable campaign.
“He had a massive impact,” said the 19-year-old. “He has played the game himself so he gave brilliant advice.
“From the start everybody just clicked with him which is a special thing because that doesn’t always happen.
“To come in and win the title in your first year is not easy. For him to come and do that it is brilliant.”
Doyle was one of a number of EDS players involved with the senior set-up throughout the season.
The midfielder, along with Adrian Bernabe, Liam Delap, Claudio Gomes, Felix Nmecha and Cole Palmer were given first team minutes by Pep Guardiola, with several other youngsters training regularly during the campaign.
It limited the regularity with which the EDS squad could train together, but Doyle says collective dedication allowed the side to prevail in the league and hopes the success is a platform to build on at that level.
“We worked hard,” he added.
“It’s not been easy. We’ve not really trained together much with our first team requirements.
“To come down and play and to win the league is massive. It is important for the Club that we start getting places in this league.
“I think it is a marker to go and do the same thing [in the future].”
