Enzo Maresca has said it is normal for a younger generation to view Manchester City as the ‘kings’ of Manchester.
Manchester City faceManchester United in the derby this weekend, as the Manchester rivals collide at Old Trafford.
It’s a rivalry that has transformed in thePremier League era, with City replacing their neighbours as the division’s dominant force.
Elliot Anderson stoked the fires of the rivalry after signing for the Cityzens in the summer, calling his new side the ‘kings of Manchester’ after previous transfer interest from Manchester United.
“It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I’ve known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester,” Anderson said in an interview onCity’s website. “It’ll be a great fixture and I can’t wait to be involved in something like that.
“They’re winners, they’re relentless, and that’s the sort of team I want to be a part of – champions and people who win trophies.”
Maresca on “kings of Manchester” claim: “It’s normal” as Man City chase derby statement at Old Trafford
Ahead of his first experience of the rivalry, Maresca was asked whether he agreed with Anderson’s assessment of the balance of power in the city.
Maresca said it was ‘normal’ for Anderson to have that view, with City winning six of the last ninePremier League titles. United won the most recent of their joint-record 20 top-flight titles in 2013.
“The reason why Elliot said that is because he grew up when Man City were unbelievable. It’s normal for him to say that,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.
“When you go back further it’s a different picture, but for me that is why he said that.”
Asked about the importance of this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford, Maresca added: “It is very important for different reasons. We know how important a derby is, especially here. A special game. The most important thing we can do is try to be ourselves and then we see the final result.”
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