Marisca: Derby match is very important, and this is the duo's condition

Enzo Maresca, the manager of Manchester City, spoke about the anticipated encounter against Manchester United in the Manchester Derby on Sunday, in the 4th round of the Premier League.

Mariska revealed at the start of his press conference the latest updates regarding his players' conditions, confirming that Nico O'Reilly is 100% ready to participate, while winger Jérémy Doku needs a few more days before returning to the pitch.

Mariska spoke about the importance of the match: "It is a very important match for various reasons. We know how significant the derby is, especially here. It is a special match. The most important thing we can do is try to be ourselves, and then we will see the final result."

Manchester City manager spoke about comments made by Elliot Anderson, who described the team as "Kings of the City" while discussing the nature of the rivalry between the two clubs. Mariska said: "The reason Elliot said that is because he grew up during the time when Manchester City was amazing. It's natural for him to say that; when you go back further, the picture is different, but for me, that's the reason he said that."

Regarding Manchester City's potential advantage due to having two extra days to prepare for the match compared to Manchester United, Mariska said: "This happened last season when the club played against SSC Napoli and then played against Arsenal two days later. Sometimes such things happen; I have no doubt that Manchester United will be ready. It's about adaptation; it happened to us last season, it's happening to them this season, and next season it will happen to another team."

When asked about Phil Foden and whether the English player raises his level in derby matches because he is from Manchester, Mariska replied: "Maybe, yes. He is from the club and from the academy. His feeling towards the match is different from the other players. This is natural. For him, it is a different match."