The Croatia defender spoke up after rescuing Manchester City in stoppage time against Bournemouth, and his message was aimed at a dressing room in transition.
“What I think is we need everyone. Everyone needs to be at his best, at their best, especially now some players have gone.”
“It’s not going to be easy, but our mentality, we’re going to push, we’re going to fight for it, and everyone needs to be ready. Everyone needs to sometimes step up and take the responsibility and fight for this badge, fight for this club.”
The comments, made to PA News Agency and carried in the Manchester Evening News, followed City’s 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 23 August, Maresca’s first Premier League match as head coach.
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A rebuilt dressing room
Josko Gvardiol is addressing a squad that has lost some of its most familiar voices this summer. Rodri sealed his move to Barcelona after seven seasons at the Etihad, while Bernardo Silva has left for Real Madrid on a free, John Stones has been released, and Nathan Ake has joined Fenerbahçe, according to City’s tracked summer window.
Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki arrived in the other direction, with Guehi joining from Crystal Palace in January 2026 for an initial £20m. Both were involved in the winning goals against Bournemouth: Guehi headed home a Cherki corner in the 84th minute, then Gvardiol tucked in the winner deep into stoppage time after a VAR review.
Adapting to Maresca
Enzo Maresca was appointed City manager on 29 June 2026 on a three-year deal, arriving from Chelsea for a reported £17m in compensation. He replaced Pep Guardiola, who announced his exit in May after a decade in charge.
Gvardiol was clear that adapting to a different rhythm from the one Guardiola set at the Etihad is going to take time.
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“It’s normal, first game. I think we are still not at our best so we need some time.”
“It’s not too complicated, but the problem is our habit is slightly different than what he wants.”
The defender said the priority now is a full pre-season block of training before the fixture schedule tightens.
“We need to work on our fitness as well, to get into the rhythm, and we still need to use these long weeks to get better, to get in shape, because once we start playing every three days, you know how difficult it is.”
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How Cherki set up the winner
On the goal itself, Gvardiol credited his new teammate.
“Great finish! Great ball from Rayan, great footwork from Rayan as well.”
Cherki came off the bench and set up both goals. The winner was initially flagged for offside before being awarded on review, giving Maresca three points from his opening Premier League fixture.
City play Crystal Palace next on Friday, 28 August.
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