City boss Enzo Maresca says spotlight not on him ahead of Manchester derby

Enzo Maresca has downplayed attention on himself as he prepares to take charge of his first Manchester derby, underlining that his priority is the team rather than personal milestones. City head to Old Trafford on Sunday unbeaten in the Premier League, having collected three wins from their opening three fixtures.

Their opponents, managed by Michael Carrick, have had a slower start, with only one victory so far and a five-point deficit to City in the early table. City travel to what many see as their toughest test of the season to date after a string of domestic successes.

Maresca — who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City — said securing a first derby win is important but that his wider concerns lie with the squad, the supporters and maintaining their place in the standings. He stressed that while a victory would of course be welcome for him personally, the overriding aim is to keep winning games for the benefit of everyone involved.

Reflecting on City’s standing in Manchester, Maresca echoed the idea behind Elliot Anderson’s recent comment that City are the “kings of Manchester,” noting the club’s dominance during Anderson’s upbringing. City have finished above Manchester United every season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s last title-winning campaign in 2013, and they have enjoyed a strong record at Old Trafford over the past 15 years, despite losing there last season in Guardiola’s final game in charge.