Teams need to adapt to fixture scheduling - Maresca

What the report says

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has said clubs must be prepared to adjust to demanding fixture schedules as his team head into Sunday’s Manchester derby with more recovery time than Manchester United. BBC Sport reported that City played in the Champions League on Tuesday, while United were in action 48 hours later, leaving the visitors with less time to rest and prepare.

Maresca said this kind of imbalance can happen during a busy season and pointed to a similar case involving City last year before their match against Arsenal. He argued that the key issue is not to complain but to adapt, and he expressed confidence that United will be ready for the derby. The broadcaster also noted that the expanded Champions League adds extra matches before the end of January, while English clubs must also fit in domestic cup commitments.

The Italian is preparing for his first Manchester derby and has made a strong start in the Premier League, with City winning all three of their league games so far. United, by contrast, have taken four points from their opening three matches. Maresca described the derby as a particularly important fixture and said City’s main focus is to play their own game and see what follows.