Maresca offers no sympathy ahead of Manchester derby

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has brushed off Michael Carrick’s complaints about a lopsided schedule before Sunday’s Manchester derby, arguing elite sides must cope.

According to Goal.com, Manchester United played Azerbaijani club Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday, while City were at Porto on Tuesday, giving Maresca’s team two extra days to recover. Carrick called the turnaround less than ideal.

Maresca offered little comfort, noting City handled a similar situation last season, hosting Napoli on a Thursday before travelling to Arsenal on Sunday. He added he had no doubt United would be ready.

He framed the issue as part of top-level football, saying teams simply need to adapt. In his view, it was City last year, United this season, and another club next time.

Despite the blunt message, Maresca praised Carrick’s work at Old Trafford. The pair first crossed paths three years ago when Maresca’s Leicester met Carrick’s Middlesbrough, and the City manager said Carrick has done a very good job. United beat City last season soon after Carrick took interim charge.

United face a major test as they search for early-season stability, having lost on opening day to newly promoted Hull City and then drawn 2-2 with Everton after twice leading. They have scored nine in two home games, so City must guard against that threat while seeking to exploit their fresher legs.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”