Enzo Maresca plays down derby hostility before first Manchester clash as City boss | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca is set for his first Manchester derby as Manchester City manager and has played down the animosity around the occasion, saying he has faced fiercer settings elsewhere.

According to Goal.com, the Italian acknowledged the significance for club and fans but stressed City should stick to their identity at Old Trafford on Sunday and then accept whatever the result brings.

He cited Olympiakos against Panathinaikos as the most hostile he has experienced, and referenced Juventus against Torino and Sevilla against Betis, along with his spell in charge at Chelsea and time working under Pep Guardiola at City. His message to players was to concentrate on the game plan, pressing and improvement, adding that he relishes such occasions.

The build-up has also featured summer signing Elliot Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and described City as the kings of Manchester. Maresca said the midfielder was reflecting the past 15 years of his lifetime, when City amassed domestic trophies, while noting the picture differs if you look further back.

City come into the derby off a 5-1 Champions League win over Porto, whereas United played on Thursday against Sabah. Maresca downplayed any advantage from an extra 48 hours of rest, saying United will be ready and that teams must simply adapt across seasons.

On selection, Nico O'Reilly is available to start after a back issue suffered in a warm-up against Coventry, offering tactical flexibility. Winger Jérémy Doku remains out with a calf problem.

Source: Goal.com

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