MANCHESTER: Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca admitted his brilliant start as Pep Guardiola’s successor will be quickly forgotten if he fails to continue the winning streak with the team.
Maresca faces a tough task replacing Guardiola, who won 20 trophies during his glorious 10-year era at the Etihad Stadium.
After losing to Arsenal in the Community Shield, the Italian manager made the perfect start to the season as City won six consecutive games in three different competitions.
The highlight came last weekend when City beat their neighbours, Manchester United 1-0 despite having to play for over an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden was shown an early red card.
Maresca is also supported by a record-breaking £460 million spend on new players.
He was, however, forced to let go of several high-profile players including Spain’s World Cup-winning captain, Rodri.
“I said in the first press conference, for me being at this club is a privilege and being at this club after a legend like Pep is also a privilege.
“I know if I don’t win it will be considered a disaster and that’s normal, but I don’t spend time thinking about who was here before and how long they were here,” said Maresca ahead of Sunderland’s visit in the English Premier League (EPL) tomorrow.
The former Chelsea manager added: “I’m just here to focus on what we can do better, improve the team and try to win games.
“I’m very happy with these five or six games in a row but now the main focus is just on the next game and I don’t think about the fact that we’ve won six games in a row because that game is over.
“We are focused on the next game and then we will face the international break.”
Maresca also had the opportunity to rest most of his key players when City thrashed Norwich 5-0 in the League Cup yesterday.
Teenager Floyd Samba stole the show when he scored twice on his debut, while Brazilian winger Allan also shone on his City debut by scoring a goal.