Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has dismissed suggestions that Enzo Maresca could benefit from any potential Financial Fair Play punishment handed to the club, insisting the new manager wants to build his legacy by winning on the pitch rather than relying on sanctions.

Following Pep Guardiola's departure after a trophy-laden decade, Maresca has taken on one of football's toughest jobs. However, uncertainty still surrounds City's long-running Financial Fair Play case, with speculation continuing over possible punishments that could include a Premier League points deduction.

Despite those rumours, Lescott believes neither Maresca nor Manchester City would welcome any form of competitive advantage created by off-field decisions.

"Nobody Wants That"

Speaking about the possibility of City starting the season with a points penalty, Lescott made his position clear.

""The club don't want that. He doesn't want that. Nobody wants that.""

The former England international stressed that Maresca accepted the role because he believes Manchester City should be challenging for every major honour—not because expectations might be lowered through disciplinary action.

According to Lescott, City's mentality remains unchanged regardless of the ongoing legal process.

Winning the Right Way

Lescott argued that Maresca's objective is exactly the same as Guardiola's was during his decade in charge.

The new City boss has inherited one of Europe's strongest squads and is expected to compete immediately for the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

Any points deduction would simply create unnecessary complications rather than easing pressure on the Italian coach. 

Learning From Manchester United's Mistakes

Lescott also believes Manchester City are far better prepared for life after Guardiola than Manchester United were following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

He explained that City have gradually built a football structure capable of surviving managerial change rather than relying entirely on one individual.

That long-term planning, he says, should help Maresca settle into the role without facing the same instability experienced elsewhere. 

Arsenal Still the Team to Beat?

Interestingly, Lescott suggested Manchester City may not even begin the season as favourites.

Instead, he believes Arsenal are currently the best-positioned title challengers due to squad continuity, managerial stability under Mikel Arteta and their experience competing at the highest level over recent seasons.

That view underlines the scale of the challenge awaiting Maresca as he attempts to succeed one of the greatest managers in Premier League history.

Would a Points Deduction Actually Help Manchester City?

While some rival supporters believe a points deduction could level the playing field, Joleon Lescott argues it would have the opposite effect for Manchester City.

Starting a season with a significant points deficit would immediately place enormous pressure on Enzo Maresca, who is already facing the daunting task of replacing one of the greatest managers in football history.

Rather than easing expectations, every dropped point would become even more costly, forcing City to chase the league from the opening weekend.

Lescott believes no manager wants to inherit those circumstances.

Replacing Guardiola Is Challenge Enough

Regardless of any Financial Fair Play outcome, Maresca's biggest obstacle remains replacing Pep Guardiola.

During Guardiola's nine-year reign, Manchester City established themselves as one of football's dominant forces, winning multiple Premier League titles, Champions Leagues, domestic cups and setting countless records.

Maresca now inherits a dressing room accustomed to winning every competition it enters.

That means expectations remain unchanged:

• Challenge for the Premier League.
• Compete for the Champions League.
• Win domestic trophies.
• Maintain City's attractive attacking identity.

According to Lescott, those ambitions cannot be achieved through off-field decisions—they must be earned on the pitch.

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Why Arsenal Could Have the Advantage

Lescott also believes Arsenal may enter the new campaign with a slight edge over City.

Unlike Manchester City, Arsenal have continuity.

Mikel Arteta remains in charge, the core of the squad has stayed together, and several major signings have strengthened an already title-winning team.

City, meanwhile, are entering a new managerial era, meaning there will inevitably be an adjustment period even if Maresca knows the club inside out.

That does not make City weaker—but it does mean Arsenal could begin the season as slight favourites.

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Can Maresca Silence the Doubters?

Although replacing Guardiola appears almost impossible, Maresca arrives with significant advantages.

He understands Manchester City's football philosophy, has previously worked within the club's coaching structure and knows many of the players already.

Those factors should make the transition smoother than many managerial changes at elite clubs.

However, he will ultimately be judged on one thing—winning.

Whether City start the season with or without any sanctions, supporters will expect the same relentless pursuit of trophies that defined the Guardiola era.

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Conclusion

Joleon Lescott believes the narrative surrounding Manchester City's Financial Fair Play case misses the bigger picture.

Enzo Maresca did not take one of football's most demanding jobs hoping for outside assistance.

Instead, the Italian wants to prove he can lead Manchester City into a new era by maintaining the club's winning culture on the pitch.

If City are to remain among Europe's elite, Lescott insists it will be because of performances—not points deductions or courtroom decisions.

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Key Takeaways

• ✅ Joleon Lescott says neither Enzo Maresca nor Manchester City want to benefit from any potential points deduction.
• ✅ A points penalty would likely increase, not reduce, the pressure on City's new manager.
• ✅ Replacing Pep Guardiola is already one of the toughest jobs in world football.
• ✅ Lescott believes Arsenal may begin the season as slight Premier League favourites due to greater stability.
• ✅ Maresca's success will ultimately be judged by trophies and performances rather than off-field developments.

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⚽ Fan Debate

Could Enzo Maresca succeed Pep Guardiola regardless of the Financial Fair Play outcome?

• ⚽ Goal — Yes, City's squad is strong enough to challenge for every trophy.
• 🔥 Fire — A points deduction would make the title race almost impossible.
• 😲 Shock — Replacing Guardiola may be an even bigger challenge than the FFP case itself.
• 👍 Like — Maresca deserves to build his own legacy without the controversy surrounding the club.
• 💬 Comment — Can Enzo Maresca keep Manchester City at the top of English football, or will the post-Guardiola era prove too difficult? Share your predictions below.