Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports, discussing topics including the Champions League, integrating new signings, the performance of young player Buadi, and the upcoming Manchester derby.

Enzo, it's good to be able to sit down and discuss with you after such a busy week. First, the Champions League – the team continues to win. How do you assess the overall performance against Porto?

It was a very good performance. I'd say it was a complete match in every aspect, with and without the ball. Of course, as always, there are still things we could improve, but I'm very satisfied with this performance.

Given that the Champions League comes so early in the season, does the team need to adjust its tactics, or adjust what you expect from the players?

Yes, you always have to try to adapt, try to find the most appropriate plan for the match. Of course, playing Porto away wasn't easy for us, but we managed quite well.

You did very well. Now, it seems we're beginning to see all the new signings gradually integrate into this new club and get along with their new teammates. How satisfied are you with the integration process of the new players into the team?

Very satisfied, very satisfied. As you said, we can see now that the connection between them is improving little by little. It's just a matter of time – they'll certainly keep getting better.

How exactly do you do that? How do you ensure that this chemistry is established from the start?

Through training day after day. I think training sessions are very important because they can ultimately create bonds between players. At the same time, by working together every day, they'll also understand what we want in each match, which is very important.

Can I ask another question about Buadi? He's so young, but he looks like an experienced player. What impresses you most about him? What can he do?

He certainly has the maturity we talk about. We've said many times that he's only 18 years old, but when you talk to him, you'll find he really doesn't look like an 18-year-old – honestly, more like a 25 or 26-year-old. He seems more mature. The important thing is that we don't put too much pressure on him in terms of importance, playing time, or matches. He will help us and become a leading player for this club.

You've already read my question, because that's what I was going to ask next. As a manager, when you have such young players under your command, and also the best players in the Premier League, how do you find that balance?

They're capable of doing these things, but as a manager, you have to find a balance to ensure you don't put too much pressure on them.

The important thing is that they realize, or understand, that it's a team sport, not just about one person. It's a team sport. Sometimes they'll start, sometimes we'll need them to come on from the bench, sometimes they'll play four or five matches in a row – it depends on the situation. The most important thing is that even though they're excellent, they must understand that ultimately, it's a team sport, not just about one individual.

Do you feel you need to protect them in some way?

Yes.

Is it external pressure? Or pressure regarding the playing time they should have?

You have to protect players, especially now. I think it's a bit more complicated than it was 15 or 20 years ago, because now everyone can judge you, whether positively or negatively, so it's important to protect them.

How closely do you work with Iyob? Just to make sure he really understands what you expect from him – after all, that position is very important. We've also seen over the years at Manchester City that many players have adapted well to that position in the past. How closely do you work with him?

With him, and with the others, especially when a new manager arrives, you have to communicate very closely with the players because they need to understand what we expect from them. So we work with them every day – during training sessions, video analysis, one-on-one meetings, discussing individual details. They need all the information.

This weekend, we return to Premier League football. You spoke at your press conference about your experience with derbies. I noticed you smiled, because you've played in, managed, and lived through many derbies. Why are derbies so special?

They're special, first of all, because both teams are in the same city. It's special for the fans, it's special for the club, it's special for everyone. Of course, looking back at this match, you've already won three Premier League matches.

Honestly, before you arrived here, did you expect the team to start the season this well?

No. I'll tell you why – because I don't think about what will happen after three or four matches. I only think about the next match. At the start of the season, I first thought about Arsenal, we lost, then it was Premier League football, up to the Champions League match against Porto. So now, in my head, I'm not thinking two or three matches ahead – I'm only thinking about Sunday's match, and then I'll focus on the next one.

Traduit par IA.

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