On September 13th, Manchester City will visit Manchester United in the Manchester Derby for the fourth round of the Premier League. Ahead of the match, Manchester City head coach Maresca attended a press conference.

Good morning, Enzo, how are you doing recently?

Very well, thank you.

First, can we start with the team's injuries and personnel news from the weekend's match, especially Nico O'Reilly and Jérémy Doku? How close are they to returning?

Nico is 100% available, as for Jérémy, I think he still needs a few more days.

What are your thoughts on the work Michael Carrick has done at Manchester United, the players he's brought in, and how they've played at the start of this season? How do you assess them?

I think he's done a fantastic job since last season. He took over the team in a complicated situation and finished with very good results, and this season has largely maintained the same momentum, so he's done very well.

It's obvious that the whole city is filled with excitement and energy in anticipation of this match, and it means a lot to both sets of fans. You've been involved in many big games as a player and coach. From your perspective, how important is this match purely in terms of the game itself and in relation to the goals you're trying to achieve this season?

For different reasons, this game is very important. We know the importance of the derby. It's a special year for the club, for the fans, for everyone. So it's a special game, and the most important thing we can do is try to maintain our usual style and then see what the final result will be.

Hi, Enzo, your team played on Tuesday, while Manchester United played on Thursday. How much of an advantage do you think having extra rest and preparation time before the derby will be?

Honestly, the club mentioned to me that the exact same situation happened last season, when the club played Napoli and then Arsenal two days later, so this kind of situation happens in football from time to time. I have no doubt that Manchester United will be prepared for it, it's just a matter of adapting. .

So you think this kind of situation will balance out as the season progresses? Sometimes you start early, sometimes late...

I think it does happen, and you need to adapt. It happened to us last season, it happened to them this season, and next season it will happen to a different team.

But before such a big game, what do you think Carrick would be feeling? How would you feel if this happened to you?

That's a question for Michael, not for me. All I can say is, it's happened, and you need to adapt.

Hi, Enzo, when Elliott Anderson chose to join Manchester City instead of Manchester United this summer, he said Manchester City are "the Kings of Manchester". I was just wondering, given all the trophies this club has won in the past 15 years, do you see it that way too?

Yes, Elliott said that probably because he grew up in the last 15 years, and I think what Manchester City has achieved is incredible. So when Elliott says that, I think it's very normal. Of course, if you go back further in time, it's a different picture. But for me, Elliott said that because Manchester City has been dominant during his upbringing.

There's been a lot of talk about your midfield, but they also strengthened their midfield this summer. One of the players they brought in is Andre Santos, whom you know very well from Chelsea. What are your memories of working with him, and what kind of player have Manchester United signed in Andre Santos?

First of all, Andre is a very good person, polite, humble, and hardworking. So I wish him all the best, I can only speak very highly of Andre.

Hi, Enzo, can I ask about Foden? It's obvious he has a fantastic goalscoring record in the Manchester Derby. Is it because he's a local Manchester boy and a Manchester City fan from childhood that he elevates his performance in these games? I mean, how do you see that connection between him and the Derby?

Yes, probably yes, probably yes. He's a homegrown player, came through the academy. For him, that feeling is probably different from other players, which is normal, so that's probably why it's a different game for him.

I know you've talked before about the big games you've experienced, but you've also personally participated in the Manchester Derby. How does the intensity of the rivalry here compare to other derby rivalries you've experienced?

Yes, derbies are generally similar, they are more or less similar. I've been involved in different derbies, and I assure you, the most fiery and passionate was Olympiacos against Panathinaikos, that was very fiery, very aggressive. But then again, I've experienced Juventus against Torino in Italy, Sevilla against Betis in Sevilla, the London Derby as a manager at Chelsea, and here it's another one. I think for everyone, these are special games, first for the fans, then for the club, for the players, for the coaching staff, it's a special game for everyone. And, honestly, I crave these games, I love these games.

So do you ask your players to fully immerse themselves in this atmosphere, or do you advise them to stay calm? How do you manage this situation?

I think the most important thing for players is to focus on the game itself. We experienced a similar situation in the last Champions League away game against Porto. That was a tough stadium, with a very passionate atmosphere. I'm not saying it's exactly the same, I know Old Trafford is very different. But then again, the players' core focus must be on the game itself, the game plan, how we win, how we implement high pressing, and how we can do better, that's the most important thing for the players.

Enzo, a couple more questions about Enzo. You've obviously known him for quite a while. How much has he improved in terms of personality and playing style over the past few years?

Yes, he has improved a lot. Probably in the last two years working with us, he's become more of an attacking midfielder, whereas before he played in a deeper position. I think his performance around the box is incredible, whether it's in terms of goals, assists, or leadership, I think he has grown a lot.

Yes, last week you emphasized that he is a winner, with that winning mentality. How important was that factor when signing him? Because I guess that mentality is quite infectious to the rest of the team, isn't it?

Absolutely, absolutely. You can also see what his teammates say about him when they talk about his winning mentality. But then again, I always say the same thing, these players have won before, they know how to win, and it's very important to have them in our squad. Moreover, he trains hard every day, he's polite, and he does his job well, which is exactly what we need.

Hi, Enzo, you just mentioned that Manchester City has largely been the dominant force in Manchester over the past 15 years, and especially during that time, Manchester City has won many derbies at Old Trafford. I know you must have been present to watch some of those games, but how important is it to continue this record, and how much do you personally desire to win your first derby at Old Trafford?

Very important, very important. But honestly, I'm not thinking about myself. I'm thinking more about the team and the league table. Of course, if we win, that's good for me too. But the core focus isn't "this is my first derby, I must win". Of course, I do want to win, but that's because we want to keep winning, which is good for everyone.

But as for the fans, they obviously went through a long period where they couldn't win at Old Trafford, and then they started winning there so frequently. What do you think that means to them?

Yes, for them it's a very good and fantastic feeling, and hopefully we can continue that feeling. Last season's game wasn't the best for us, but hopefully this season we can play a great game.

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