**City Boss Enzo Maresca Says Spotlight Not on Him Ahead of Manchester Derby**
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is gearing up for his first Manchester derby this Sunday, where he will lead his team against rivals Manchester United. As the Premier League leaders, City is looking to maintain their perfect record this season, having won all three of their opening matches.
In a press conference held on Friday, Maresca emphasized that he does not consider himself the main focus of the upcoming match. Instead, he is concentrating on the team's performance, the expectations of the fans, and the standings in the league. "To be honest, I’m more thinking about the team, the fans, the table," he stated. "And for sure, if we win, it’s also good for me. But the main focus is not ‘It’s my first derby and I want to win the game.’ For sure, I want to win the game, but it’s because we want to continue to win games. That is good for everyone."
The derby will take place at Old Trafford, a venue where City has enjoyed considerable success over the past 15 years. However, they faced a setback in their last visit, losing in what was Pep Guardiola's final game in charge. This history adds an extra layer of significance to the match, especially as Maresca seeks to secure a win in his inaugural derby.
On the other side, Manchester United, under the management of Michael Carrick, has had a challenging start to the season, winning only one of their first three matches. They currently sit five points behind City in the league standings.
Maresca's comments also touched on the recent remarks made by new City midfielder Elliot Anderson, who referred to City as the "kings of Manchester." The Italian manager acknowledged that Anderson's perspective is shaped by the club's dominance in recent years, particularly since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. "The reason why Elliot said that is because he grew up in the last 15 years," Maresca explained. "I think Manchester City was unbelievable, what they achieved. So, I think it’s normal when Elliot said that."
As the match approaches, both teams will be keen to assert their dominance in this storied rivalry. For City, a win would not only bolster their position at the top of the Premier League but also provide a significant confidence boost for Maresca in his early managerial career. Meanwhile, United will be eager to turn their season around and reclaim local bragging rights.
The Manchester derby is always a highly anticipated fixture in the football calendar, and this year's encounter promises to be no different as both teams look to make their mark.