Enzo Maresca says he is happy to have made the best start in Premier League history by a new manager but says he is delighted to see the players improving each day.
City see off Ipswich as Maresca makes Premier League history
City made it seven wins out of seven to move six points clear at the top of the table with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
Maresca has become the first manager ever to win their first seven leave games in charge of a club, surpassing Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who won their first six with City, Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.
It’s been a remarkable start from the Italian who says he is encouraged by the way his side keep improving.
“First of all, I am very happy because it’s a matter of winning games in this business,” he said in his post-match news conference.
“We were able to win seven in a row and what made me very happy was day-by-day with the players, the way they are working and how I can see them improving.
“Today I thought we controlled the game, created chances and good off the ball. We are doing well and I think that’s the most important thing.”
City’s fantastic start may not be receiving all the credit expected for such a fantastic start, but Maresca says they are certainly getting praise from him and the coaching staff.
“Absolutely yes but also I understand we give credit to the players,” he said.
“They need to be worried about people inside the club and about me for the credit I give to them.
“And they are not worried about people who judge from outside because they know people trying to judge them, it’s people who are working who want to create a problem but inside I promise the players are happy, they’re get credit and I give credit to them.”
The downside to the game was there potential injury scares around Erling Haaland, Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovačić, Nico O’Reilly and Antoine Semenyo.
Maresca gave an update and said some of his players confirmed they were okay.
“I asked all of them,” he said. “Mateo said he was okay, Matheus said he was okay, Erling said he was also okay.
“Nico it’s still his back. If you remember against Coventry in the warm-up, it’s the same problem.
“The only one we need to wait on was Antoine and we will see.”
Be at City v AEK Athens!
We welcome the Greek champions in a 20:00 (UK) kick-off on Tuesday 20 October for our third game in this year’s League Phase.
Known for their vociferous support and enjoying their first Champions League campaign since 2018/19, the striking yellow and black colours of AEK Athens make for a spectacle everywhere they go.
And every game counts if we’re to finish in the top eight and ensure safe progression through to the Round of 16.
So make sure you’re there to support the Blues, with adult prices starting from £35 and Under-18s just £20 each.
And why not make a special night of it?
We have a wide range of hospitality packages available, whether you’re looking for an exclusive bar, a dining experience or true once-in-a-lifetime magic, it’s all available at the Etihad Stadium.
In fact, hospitality starts from just £90 per person!
And you can save 20% off your hospitality when you book any two eligible home UEFA Champions League fixtures in the brand-new City Hall or CROSSBAR suites!