Enzo Maresca tells Manchester City victories must continue after perfect start

Enzo Maresca says Manchester City’s impressive winning run will mean little if they fail to maintain it, with Sunderland visiting the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.

Maresca has won all six matches since replacing Pep Guardiola, with those victories coming across three competitions. The latest was a 1-0 win against Manchester United last weekend, despite City playing for more than an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off early in the match.

But Maresca is aware of the demands that come with succeeding Guardiola, who won 20 trophies during his decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

“I said in the first press conference, for me to be in this club is a privilege, and to be in this club after a legend like Pep is a privilege,” Maresca said before Sunday’s home meeting with Sunderland.

“I know if I don’t win, it’s a disaster, and it’s normal, but I don’t spend my day thinking about who was here before and for how many years.”

Manchester City have also invested a record £460 million on new players as they reshape their squad following several significant departures, including Spain captain Rodri.

Maresca said the club’s previous achievements under Guardiola were not affecting his approach, with his priority being to develop the current team and collect more victories.

“I’m just here to focus on what we can do better, improve the team and trying to win games,” he said.

“I’m very happy with these five or six games in a row, but now the main focus is just on the next one. I’m not thinking that we won six in a row because those games are finished.

“We focus on the next one, and then we have the international break.”

Maresca made several changes for Thursday’s 5-0 League Cup victory over Norwich, allowing most of his regular starters to rest.

Teenager Floyd Samba scored twice on his debut, while Brazilian winger Allan also scored on his first appearance for City.

Rayan Cherki was the only player to start both the Manchester United and Norwich matches, although he was replaced at half-time in each game.

“It was very important we gave rest to the ones that played back-to-back 90 minutes against Porto and United,” Maresca said.

“Hopefully they can be full of energy for Sunday’s game.”