Maresca warns Sunderland clash could be Manchester City’s toughest test yet

Enzo Maresca expects Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to be the team’s hardest challenge of the season so far.

The Italian manager used his pre-match news conference to discuss Jeremy Doku’s injury, the importance of squad rotation and the pressure of succeeding Pep Guardiola, while also praising Sunderland’s organisation and quality.

Doku has been out since suffering a calf injury in the Community Shield, but Maresca said the Belgium winger is likely to be available for Sunday’s match, providing a timely boost for Manchester City.

Rotation gives City players time to recover

Maresca made several changes for Thursday’s League Cup victory over Norwich, allowing a number of first-team players to rest after a demanding run of fixtures.

Some had completed 90 minutes against both Porto and Manchester United, making the decision necessary before another difficult Premier League match.

“It was extremely important,” Maresca said. “We rested the players who had played two full matches, 90 minutes in a row, against Porto and Manchester United.

“It was necessary to give them some rest and hopefully they will be at full energy for Sunday, because it will be a tough game.”

Players have adapted quickly

Asked about his successful start at Manchester City, Maresca gave most of the credit to his players for understanding his methods quickly.

“First and foremost, the credit belongs to the players,” he said. “The most important thing when you join a new club is to see how well the players understand what the manager wants.

“Day by day and game by game, even with many changes, I can see that what we want has become completely clear to them.”

Maresca also acknowledged the benefit of working again with people he knew from his previous spell at the club. However, he stressed that the current squad is largely different.

“Of course, having the same people at the club helped me, but the squad of players is completely different,” he said. “Only three or four players remain from the season I spent here before.

“I spend my time with the current players, so it is new for me, and I am happy because I can see an improvement in our performance.”

Guardiola succession brings change

Maresca said he understood from the outset that he was taking charge during a period of transition after Guardiola’s decade in charge.

“I knew when I decided to join the club that it was a good club and that the players were of a high level,” he said. “At the same time, I knew the club was going through a period of change after 10 years under the same manager, as well as the departures of players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake.

“Changes are normal, but I am completely confident that we can do a good job.”

The upcoming three-week international break will give Maresca more time to assess his side.

“During international breaks, I have always reviewed all the previous matches and analysed the areas we can improve,” he said. “But because we have three weeks, I will have enough time to watch all the matches again.”

Sunderland viewed as strongest opponents

Maresca watched Sunderland’s match against Arsenal live before reviewing it again in recent days.

“I watched their game against Arsenal live and then watched it again over the past few days,” he said. “You can see how strong they are, and I think they did not deserve to lose that match.

“They are a very strong team, excellently coached, and they have spent enough time together for their style to be clear both in and out of possession.

“My impression after watching them is that Sunday’s match will be the toughest since the start of the season.”