Enzo Maresca Prepares for Manchester Derby: The Need to Adapt
Enzo Maresca is walking into his first Manchester derby with two extra days in the legs and absolutely no interest in excuses.
Manchester City wrapped up a controlled 2-0 win at Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Manchester United, by contrast, were still dismantling Sabah 4-0 some 48 hours later. The calendar has handed Michael Carrick’s side the shorter turnaround before Sunday’s Premier League showdown. Maresca’s response? Adapt or be left behind.
City’s manager was quick to point out this isn’t some grand conspiracy in sky blue.
Last season, under Pep Guardiola, City faced almost the exact scenario before playing Arsenal. The Gunners kicked off early on the Tuesday at Athletic Club; City didn’t finish with Napoli until Thursday’s 20:00 BST slot. Two days later, they were at Emirates Stadium. Guardiola famously joked then that he’d take his players “hiking in the mountains” to get them ready.
Maresca sees the pattern rather than the problem.
“To be honest, the club mentioned to me that it happened exactly the same last year when the club played Napoli and then, after two days, played Arsenal,” he told BBC Sport. “Sometimes it happens in football. I don't have any doubt that Man United are going to be ready for that. It just matters to adapt.”
The calendar is only getting heavier. The revamped Champions League format now forces clubs through two extra group-phase games before the end of January. English sides must also weave in the Carabao Cup, stretching squads and testing depth long before the title run-in.
City host Norwich in the third round next Thursday. United meet Brighton at Old Trafford the night before. The load will keep coming.
“I think that happens and you need to adapt,” Maresca said, when asked if the schedule eventually balances itself out. “It happened last year with us, this season with them, next season it will happen with a different team.”
Pressed on how Carrick might be feeling about the squeeze, Maresca refused to be drawn into the rival dugout.
“That's a question for Michael. The only thing I can say is it happened and you need to adapt.”
What he can control is City’s form, and that has been ruthless. Three league games, three wins, and a team already moving with the familiar authority of champions. United, by contrast, have stumbled out of the blocks, taking just four points from their opening three fixtures despite that midweek 4-0 statement.
Maresca knows derby days ignore form tables, yet he also understands the weight of the occasion and the opportunity it brings.
“It is very important for different reasons,” the Italian said. “We know how important a derby is, especially here. It is a special game.
The most important thing we can do is try to be ourselves and then we see the final result.”
Extra rest, early momentum, home advantage. City arrive with plenty in their favour. Maresca, though, keeps circling back to the same word.
Adapt.
On Sunday, under the noise and the pressure of a city divided, everyone will find out which side does it better.
