Maresca: Enzo is a born winner, many players were eager for him to join

At 22:00 Beijing time on September 5, Manchester City will host Coventry in the third round of the Premier League. Before the match, City head coach Maresca attended a press conference.

Hi, Enzo. Enzo Fernandez is the type of player who often creates divided opinions among the public and fans. Among players like this, why is he the one you are so eager to work with again?

I know Enzo very well, and I know what he can bring to this team. He is a true winner, with that winner's mentality deep inside him. He knows exactly how to win. He has won the World Cup and the Club World Cup. The most important point, as I repeat, is that he is a born winner.

You previously mentioned wanting to bring another leader-type captain into your team. Is he also suitable for and capable of taking on that role?

No. Our current captain options are Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gigio Donnarumma.

Can I also ask about Iliman Ndiaye? He came from Everton and was one of your important deadline-day signings. What qualities make you so excited about him? I noticed you were already smiling when this question was mentioned.

Yes, he is outstanding, really excellent. In just the past two days of training, you can already clearly see his ability in one-on-one dribbling, the attacking third and inside the penalty area. I am very, very happy to have him join our team.

Enzo, you mentioned some new arrivals. Now that the transfer window has fully closed, how satisfied are you with the squad available to you? What can you achieve this season? Are you fully prepared to compete on all fronts?

I am very, very happy, extremely satisfied. I am grateful for the huge effort from everyone at the club's ownership level, including Khaldoon (Chairman Mubarak) and Hugo (Football Director Viana). In the final days, the new players arrived successfully, our squad is now complete and the recruitment work is finished. Now it is time to work hard and stay focused.

Your next opponent is Coventry. Can you give an update on the team's injury and fitness situation? How are Jeremy (Doku), Nunes and others, and are there any other concerns?

No. Jeremy is still injured and unavailable, while Matheus (Nunes) has recovered and returned. He will be with us tomorrow. Regarding Coventry, tomorrow's match requires our full attention and 100% concentration because these games demand total focus and can easily become very difficult.

Following the Coventry topic, what do you expect to see from them that you might not see from established Premier League teams? They have just been promoted and already faced strong opponents such as Arsenal, making this season a major test for them.

When you are promoted to the Premier League, this situation is normal. However, you can clearly see their tactical intentions from their style of play. I watched some of their matches last season and studied some of Frank's (Lampard's) games as Everton and Chelsea manager to better analyze them. They may be struggling because of the Premier League's intensity, but I have no doubt they can achieve something very good.

How important is it for you to receive such strong support from the ownership and the board?

It is really, really important. In any football club, when the owners and the entire club stand behind the head coach and provide firm support, that is one of the most essential things. I think it is a very positive thing.

Speaking of Frank Lampard, who was a former Manchester City player and Chelsea manager, what are your expectations for him and his team this season?

As I said, I think he did a fantastic job last season. This season, he will also do very well. I can clearly see what they want to do tactically with and without the ball. Tomorrow's match will be extremely difficult because every Premier League game is challenging.

Is Enzo ready to go straight into the match?

The answer is yes, he is ready.

I want to ask another question about Enzo Fernandez. He may annoy or provoke opponents and away fans on the pitch, but inside the team, is he a player loved and welcomed by his teammates?

Yes, absolutely, 100%. As I said, he is a winner. When you are in a team and a top player with the same winning mentality and fighting spirit joins, teammates are always happy. I can tell you that in the last four or five days, four or five players have come to ask me whether he was coming or whether the move was confirmed, because they really wanted him to join us. His arrival is very important, and we are completely happy and satisfied.

Was he a player you identified and wanted to sign immediately from the moment you took charge?

As I said, when an opportunity like this appears and such a good player is available, we pay close attention and see whether it is possible to sign him. The most important thing is that he is now with us.

With Omar Marmoush leaving, the team appears to have no natural backup traditional striker for Erling Haaland. Are you comfortable with that situation?

Yes, we have many different solutions. We can use other players in that position and make tactical adjustments according to our plans. We can use forwards with different characteristics and styles.

So this reflects your pursuit of squad versatility? For example, players like Nico O'Reilly can cover several positions. Was this one of the key considerations behind your recruitment and squad-building plan?

Yes, it is part of the consideration. As I said from my first day here, this is something I personally appreciate because it allows us to use the same player in different positions during a match. When a player can cover several roles, it feels like having several extra players available to the coach.

As you mentioned, Nico can play as a full-back, attacking midfielder or other positions. Although he is one player, in practical use he is like having two or three different tactical pieces. This versatility is excellent because it allows us to place players where they are needed according to different opponents and plans.

Returning to Enzo Fernandez, his signing was only fully confirmed very late, close to the 11pm transfer deadline. During the tense process, did you ever worry that this major deal could collapse at the final moment?

I did worry. I think the day before the summer transfer window closed, we had just played Crystal Palace away. That match actually helped me because all my energy was focused on preparing for that difficult away game, leaving no time to overthink things. Then the next day everything came together naturally, the deal was completed, and everyone is very happy.