Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca gave an interview in which he discussed the rumours surrounding the potential transfer of 26-year-old Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.
The Italian manager emphasised that he knows the Portuguese player's capabilities well from their time together at Chelsea and understands how to unlock his potential within the City structure.
Enzo Maresca commented on the possible move and the reported fee of €81 million:
Many are trying to present this as though we are taking something from Chelsea. I have worked closely with Pedro for a long time. I clearly saw who he could become if placed in the right structure. At Chelsea, I regularly utilised him high on the flank and isolated him one-on-one against full-backs. In certain matches, I asked him to operate more centrally against teams with a high defensive line because his acceleration and intent caused huge problems. He didn't need long explanations; he understood the task and executed it with maximum dedication.
The system I prefer is built around this type of wide attacker. We control the ball, create numerical superiority in the centre, and then leave wingers in one-on-one situations where they can either stretch the pitch or cut inside. Pedro blossomed in this environment. Under another coach, the same player could easily become just one of several rotation options. This isn't criticism; it's merely a different approach. I know exactly how to get the best out of him.
When I left Chelsea, Pedro spoke very warmly about me. He said he was surprised and described our time together as special. Footballers remember the coach who believed in them and provided a clear football identity. If he decides to join us, it won't just be about money or status. It will be about returning to a style of play that has already yielded the best results.
Chelsea will benefit financially from this amount. For us, this price makes sense because we are not guessing. We are inviting a player whose strengths, mentality, and qualities I understand in depth. This is not a spontaneous decision; it comes from a deep knowledge of football.
