Maresca Addresses Derby Schedule: Adapt to the Challenge
Enzo Maresca is walking into his first Manchester derby with two days more rest than Manchester United – and absolutely no interest in the brewing debate over fairness.
Manchester City wrapped up a controlled 2-0 win away at Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday night. United, by contrast, were still in full flow 48 hours later, hammering Sabah 4-0 on Thursday. It leaves Michael Carrick’s side with a tighter turnaround, less recovery, less preparation.
Maresca’s response? Deal with it.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the City manager pointed straight back to last season, when the boot was on the other foot before a crucial clash with Arsenal. Back then, the Gunners had the early Tuesday kick-off at Athletic Club, while City had to go deep into Thursday night against Napoli before heading to Emirates Stadium.
The memory at the club is clear. So is Maresca’s message.
“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 said. “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.”
This is the new reality at the top end of European football. The expanded Champions League has stretched the calendar, adding two extra group-stage games before the end of January. English clubs then have to squeeze in the Carabao Cup as well, with barely a breath between competitions.
City host Norwich in the third round next Thursday. United face Brighton at Old Trafford the night before. The treadmill doesn’t slow down for anyone.
Asked whether the schedule eventually evens itself out over a season, Maresca stuck to the same theme.
“I think that happens and you need to adapt,” he said. “It happened last year with us, this season with them, next season it will happen with a different team.”
No complaints. No grandstand speech. Just a repeated insistence that the game moves too fast for excuses.
Pressed on how Carrick might be feeling about the situation, Maresca refused to be drawn into someone else’s argument.
“That's a question for Michael. The only thing I can say is it happened and you need to adapt.”
What he will talk about is the derby itself.
Maresca has started his Premier League campaign with a perfect record: three wins from three, City immediately snapping into stride under their new manager. United, by contrast, have taken only four points from their opening three league fixtures and already feel as if they are chasing.
“It is very important for different reasons,” the Italian said of Sunday’s showdown. “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.”
No talk of mind games. No attempt to claim an advantage. Just a manager stepping into one of English football’s fiercest fixtures with a simple mantra: the schedule is brutal, the games keep coming, and the best sides don’t whinge.
They adapt.
