Enzo Maresca has credited City’s players for quickly understanding what he wants as the club’s strong start to the season continues.
City have won their opening six competitive matches under their new manager, including all four in the Premier League, and beat Norwich 5-0 in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.
Asked why the transition had gone so smoothly, Maresca put the players at the heart of it.
Maresca sees Man City improving
“First of all, the players,” said Maresca.
“The main thing when you join a new club is you can see that the players understand what the manager wants.
“I can see day by day, game by game, even with many changes, it’s very clear for them what we want.”
Maresca previously worked at Man City as part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff, but much has changed since his first spell at the club.
“People inside the building, for sure, [but] the players are a completely different squad – there are three or four players from my last season here,” he said.
“I spend my days with the players so it’s something new. I’m happy because I can see that we’re improving.”
Maresca took over following Guardiola’s departure after 10 years in charge, while Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake were among the senior players to leave during a summer of significant change.
“When I decided to join the club, I was quite sure that the club is a good club and the players are good players,” said Maresca.
“At the same time, I knew that the club was in a moment of change after 10 years with the same manager and Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake [also leaving].
“It’s normal that there is a change, but at the same time, I’m quite confident that we can do a good job.”
Six wins into his tenure, Maresca is pleased with what he has seen but continues to insist City can improve.
“Always room to improve,” he said after the Norwich victory.
Sunday’s meeting with Sunderland is next.
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