Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says the club’s atmosphere remains “excellent” despite ongoing uncertainty around the club, and believes his players should enjoy being top of the league.
City have won all seven matches before the international break, but Maresca insists the run has not hidden areas that need improvement. The club used the break to assess their performances before Sunday’s visit to Anfield to face Liverpool.
“There’s been some noise around the club and the team,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “However, the appeal is ongoing, so we really need to wait. Ultimately, the reason I joined this club is because I have complete trust in the club and complete trust in the people within it.”
Maresca was also at City during the season they won the treble, when the club faced similar accusations. He said he had learned to adapt in both successful periods and difficult moments.
The manager explained that the issue had only been discussed collectively once, when the club briefed the players. He said the squad, many of whom are aged 20 or 25, were focused on training and preparing to win at Anfield rather than becoming distracted by events outside football.
He expects a particularly intense atmosphere at Liverpool but said the match itself would remain the central focus.
“Anfield is great for every game,” said Maresca. “Of course, the atmosphere will be even more intense. But in the end, it’s still a football match.”
The players returned from international duty for their first full training session on Saturday, with two further sessions scheduled before the game. Maresca said City would be prepared as well as possible.
He also reflected on February’s dramatic victory at Anfield, saying it had reinforced the lesson that matches are not finished until the final whistle. He described the celebrations afterwards as “a very beautiful moment”.
Maresca praised Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who he said had done an “excellent job” at Feyenoord and would do the same at Liverpool.
The City boss said he was “very satisfied” with the team’s start, particularly the players’ progress in understanding how they should play with and without the ball. However, he identified pressing and attacking and defensive set pieces as areas for improvement.
Asked about succeeding Pep Guardiola, Maresca said he had not changed his approach since taking charge.
“From day one, I just try to be myself,” he said, adding that he had worked in the same way at Chelsea and Leicester City.
Maresca also expressed concern about the number of matches being played by leading players, including Erling Haaland and Ruben. He said those involved with their national teams could play three or four matches after leaving their clubs.
All City’s returning players were in good physical condition, he said, but the club would manage the workload and playing time of some individuals.
“The team atmosphere is really excellent,” Maresca added. “The players are in good form, they are happy and excited. At this moment, we also need to enjoy being at the top of the league.”
