Manchester City Manager Enzo Maresca Shifts Focus Away From Himself Ahead of High-Stakes Manchester Derby

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca insists he is not the primary focus as he prepares for his debut Manchester derby this Sunday, aiming to preserve his side's flawless 100 percent record this season. The Premier League leaders head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in what promises to be their sternest test yet, following three consecutive victories in the top flight.

While Manchester City boasts a formidable record at Old Trafford over the past 15 years, they suffered a defeat there last season during Pep Guardiola’s final game in charge. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have endured a sluggish start, securing just a single win in their first three matches to trail City by five points.

Maresca, formerly an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, acknowledged the significance of claiming a victory this weekend but emphasized that his priorities lie elsewhere. "To be honest, I’m more thinking about the team, the fans, the table," Maresca told reporters on Friday. "And for sure, if we win, it’s also good for me. But the main focus is not 'It’s my first derby and I want to win the game.' For sure, I want to win the game, but it’s because we want to continue to win games. That is good for everyone."

Manchester City have maintained dominance in Manchester since Alex Ferguson stepped down as a Premier League champion in 2013, consistently finishing above their rivals every season since. Maresca believes this recent era of success prompted Elliot Anderson to label City as the "kings of Manchester" following the midfielder's 116 million pound ($157m) transfer to the Etihad Stadium from Nottingham Forest.

"The reason why Elliot said that is because he grew up in the last 15 years," the Italian manager explained. "I think Manchester City was unbelievable, what they achieved. So, I think it’s normal when Elliot said that. Then if you go back, it’s a different picture. But for me, the reason why Elliot said that is because when he grew up, Manchester City was dominant.">