Man City manager Enzo Maresca sat down for an exclusive interview with Sky Sports to discuss topics including the Champions League, the integration of new signings, the performances of young talent Buadi, and the upcoming Manchester derby.

Enzo, thanks for taking the time to speak during such a busy week. First, about the Champions League—the team continued winning. How did you assess the overall performance against Porto?

It was a very good performance. I'd say it was a near-perfect match in every aspect, both with and without the ball. Of course, as always, there are still some things we could do better, but I'm very satisfied with the display.

With the Champions League coming so soon, did the team have to adjust its tactics or change what you demand from the players?

Yes, you always have to try to adapt and find the best plan for the match. Of course, playing away at Porto is never easy for us, but we handled it quite well.

You've done really well. Now it seems we're beginning to see all the new signings gradually integrating into the club and building chemistry with their new teammates. How satisfied are you with the integration process of the new players?

Very satisfied, very satisfied. As you say, you can now see that their cohesion is gradually improving, and it's only a matter of time before they continue to get better.

Exactly how do you do this? How do you ensure this chemistry is built from the start?

Training day in and day out. I think training sessions are crucial because ultimately they build connections between players. At the same time, by working together every day, they also understand what we demand from each match, which is very important.

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

He genuinely has the mentality we talk about—very mature. We've said many times that he's only 18, but when you speak with him, you realize he doesn't seem 18 at all. Honestly, he comes across more like 25 or 26. What's important is that we don't put too much pressure on him regarding his importance, matches, or playing time. He will help us and become a top player for this club.

You read my mind because that was my next question. As a manager, when you have young talents like him under your wing alongside top Premier League players, how do you find that balance?

They have the ability to do these things, but as a manager, you have to find that balance and ensure you don't put too much pressure on them.

It's important that they understand this is a team sport, not about one person. It's a team sport. Sometimes they'll start, sometimes we need them off the bench, sometimes they'll play four or five consecutive matches—it depends on the situation. Most importantly, even when they excel, they must understand that ultimately this is a team sport, not just about an individual.

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

Yes.

Is it external pressure? Or pressure related to their playing time?

You have to protect your players, especially now. I think it's more complex than it was 15 or 20 years ago because nowadays everyone can evaluate you, positively or negatively, so protecting them is important.

How closely do you work with Haaland? Just to ensure he truly understands what you expect from him—that position is so vital. We've seen many Man City players adapt well to that role over the years. How closely do you work with him?

With him, and with others, especially when a new manager arrives, you need to communicate very closely with the players because they need to understand what we require from them. So we work with them every day—in training sessions, through video analysis, in individual conversations, detailed discussions—they need all that information.

This weekend we return to the Premier League. You mentioned in your press conference your experience with derbies. I noticed you smiled because you've played in, managed, and experienced many derbies. Why are derbies so special?

They're special, first of all, because both teams are from the same city. That makes it special for the fans, for the clubs, for everyone. Of course, looking at this particular derby, you've won all three Premier League matches.

To be honest, before you arrived, did you expect the team to have such a strong start to the season?

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. When the season started, I first thought about Arsenal, we lost, and then the Premier League, up to the Champions League match with Porto. So right now, I'm not thinking about two or three matches from now; I'm only focused on Sunday's match, and then the one after that.

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