Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is shifting the spotlight away from himself as he prepares for his inaugural Manchester derby this Sunday. Currently leading the Premier League with a flawless record of three wins from three matches, City faces a stern test at Old Trafford. While acknowledging the significance of the fixture, Maresca emphasized that his primary concern remains the collective success of the squad, the supporters, and the club’s standing in the league table.
Addressing reporters on Friday, the Italian tactician noted that while securing a victory in his first derby is undeniably important, his motivation is rooted in maintaining the team’s winning momentum rather than personal milestones. Maresca, who previously served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, stated that his focus is on the broader objectives of the season, noting that a win would be beneficial for everyone involved.
The upcoming match presents a challenging environment, as City looks to improve upon their result from last year, which marked Pep Guardiola’s final appearance at Old Trafford. Historically, City has maintained a strong record at the venue over the past 15 years. In contrast, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the campaign, securing only one win in their first three outings and currently trailing their rivals by five points.
The dominance of Manchester City in the local rivalry has been a consistent theme since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as a Premier League champion in 2013, with City finishing above United in every season since. This sustained period of success recently prompted new signing Elliot Anderson to label City as the “kings of Manchester” following his 116 million pound ($157m) transfer from Nottingham Forest.
Maresca defended the midfielder’s comments, attributing them to the reality of the last decade and a half. He explained that because Anderson grew up during a period when Manchester City was consistently dominant, such a perspective is entirely natural. While acknowledging that historical context might present a different picture if one looks further back, Maresca maintained that the club’s recent achievements have shaped the current narrative surrounding the derby. The report also notes that seeking to maintain his team’s 100 percent record this season, manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said he was not the “main focus” as he prepares to take charge of his first Manchester derby.
