Nico González Pleased With His Work Under Enzo Maresca

This is what Goal.com reports .

According to Goal.com, the 24-year-old midfielder attracted attention with a confident performance in a friendly against Inter Milan. Despite the match ending 1–1 in normal time and a penalty shootout defeat, Nico González controlled the midfield well and showed his ability to challenge for a starting place next season.

Tactical changes and the new manager’s demands

The player, who joined from Porto in February 2025, had struggled to make regular starts under former manager Pep Guardiola. Enzo Maresca’s appointment is giving him a new opportunity to take the next step and showcase his full potential.

In an interview with the club’s official website, Nico González stressed that the entire team is adapting to the new manager’s style. He noted that the learning process never stops during matches and that they will continue picking up new ideas throughout the season.

The advantages of Enzo Maresca’s style

The footballer discussed the new manager’s training sessions, noting that there are some differences compared with last season, although the core principles remain intact. According to him, high pressing, winning the ball back as quickly as possible and extensive passing remain priorities.

González’s performance in the holding midfield role against Inter Milan brought balance to the team’s play in the second half. While Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovačić struggled during the opening period, Nico González looked assured as the number six, creating space for Rico Lewis to move forward.

Amid competition within the squad and changes to the lineup, Nico González’s quick adaptation to Enzo Maresca’s pressing-based tactical system gives him a major opportunity to move from a squad player into the starting XI.