Enzo Maresca believes Elliot Anderson was justified in describing Manchester City as the “kings of Manchester”.
The England midfielder made the claim after completing his move to City from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
The 23-year-old’s comments could mean he gets a hostile reception in his first Manchester derby on Sunday as City face arch rivals United at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Maresca recognizes that, historically, United have been the bigger club but, given recent successes, he can see why those of a younger generation such as Anderson might regard City as the dominant force.
The City manager said: “Probably the reason why Elliot said that is because he grew up in the last 15 years. I think Manchester City were unbelievable in what they achieved.
“So it was normal when Elliot said that. If you go back it’s a different picture, but for me the reason Elliot said that is because when he grew up Manchester City was dominant.”
City are boosted by the return of England left-back Nico O’Reilly after a back issue.
O’Reilly has missed the last two games after pulling up in the warm-up prior to last weekend’s victory over Coventry.
“Nico is 100% available,” said Maresca, who added that winger Jeremy Doku remains on the sidelines with a calf problem.
It is Maresca’s first derby since succeeding Pep Guardiola as manager but he has previous experience of the fixture having worked on the City backroom staff. He has also been involved in numerous other derbies throughout his career and it is an encounter he is relishing.
The Italian said: “We know how important a derby is, especially here, for the club, for the fans, for everyone.
“It is a special game and the most important thing we can do is to try to be ourselves, in the way we have been until today. Then we will see the final result.
“I have been involved in different ones. I promise you the worst is Olympiakos-Panathinaikos. I have been in Italy with Juventus-Torino, Sevilla-Betis, as a manager with Chelsea – different ones.
“I know Old Trafford is quite different but the main focus for the players has to be the game plan, how we can win, how we can press, how we can be better. I want these kind of games, I like them.”
City go into the game after winning their opening three Premier League matches, while United’s start has been mixed, with Michael Carrick’s side having collected four points so far.
City have had an extra two days of rest following their Champions League game at Porto on Tuesday, as United were in action against Sabah on Thursday, but Maresca does not think that will be significant.
“Sometimes it happens in football,” he said. “I don’t have any doubt that Man United are going to be ready.
“It just matters to adapt. It happened last year with us, this season with them. Next season it will happen with a different team.”
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