Maresca: Accusations unite us; Enzo's collision with referee was accidental

Manchester City will host Ipswich in their Premier League Matchday 7 fixture. Ahead of the match, Maresca attended the team's press conference, he discussed his expectations for the game and his thoughts on Enzo.

Do you consider Ipswich a big threat? They've won several games. I recall you faced them twice when you coached Chelsea, drawing one and losing one.

I remember. We lost away and drew 1-1 at home. They are a difficult opponent to face. I've said repeatedly that, first, they can focus on preparing all week, adjusting their lineup, and creating surprises. We, on the other hand, only have 48 hours since our last match, so this will be very tough. But it's also an opportunity for us; if we win, we can extend our lead to six points.

Everyone is talking about the inflatable banana at the Anfield match. How did you feel when you saw it? Did that boost the team's morale?

It was great. I didn't know the story behind the banana before, and I hope to see many bananas in the stadium tomorrow. It creates a fantastic atmosphere for the fans and everyone in the stadium.

Has anyone promised to give you one?

I have four children, and they've already asked me for one. They will be there tomorrow, so we'll see.

Guardiola was at the game against Paris. Did you talk to him after the match? What did you discuss? How was he?

I didn't see him before the game, but I met him afterwards. We talked about the match, about the first half and the second half. He was happy to be at the stadium and had positive comments about what he saw. As I said before the match, it's great for the fans to see him here; this will always be his home.

Did he speak with the players?

No, not at all.

You just mentioned talking to Guardiola. You said you weren't under pressure, but a lot has happened in the last two weeks, and there must have been extensive communication within the club. After the verdict came out, did you seek any outside opinions from people not associated with the club?

I respect everyone, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. It's normal to agree or disagree. I don't care how others judge this situation. In my opinion, the best way to judge this is to wait for the final conclusion. I understand that everyone wants to discuss this now.

But would you privately talk to people outside the club to hear different perspectives and help clarify your thoughts?

No, I fully trust the club and don't need outsiders to help me understand the situation. I've spoken with club management several times, and they've explained everything clearly to me. I understand the situation perfectly, and I have 100% faith in the club and those running it, which is why I chose to join.

Can you turn the turmoil of the past two weeks into an advantage for the players on the field?

Are you referring to the external noise? I said after the Liverpool game that there would be all sorts of noise, but we need to create our own sound. Our sound is winning at Anfield and winning tomorrow's match. We can't control other distractions.

Manchester City has gone through similar public storms before, and the external pressure has sometimes united the team, fostering a stronger team mentality. Have you conveyed this idea to the players? Since returning from the international break, have you seen this change in them?

Ruben Dias once said, "Many people don't like to see Manchester City win, but we love to win." This statement is very fitting for everyone. In my opinion, after these events, the fans, the club, and the team have indeed become more united.

In Wednesday's game, Enzo ran into the referee, and the referee fell. There are claims online that he deliberately pushed the referee. What are your thoughts?

He had no intention of pushing the referee; it was just an accidental collision, and it was actually quite amusing.

You've worked with Enzo for a long time. There have always been external concerns about his emotional control and impulsiveness. How do you find working with him? How is his emotional management in tough matches?

He is a very good person, kind-hearted, polite, and very professional. The image people see of him sometimes differs completely from who he truly is. He is a great person, comes from a good family, and I know his parents, wife, and children well. There's no doubt about that.

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