Maresca has made a perfect start since taking over from Pep Guardiola, guiding City to six successive wins across three competitions.

That run included an impressive 1-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend, despite City playing for more than an hour with 10 men following Phil Foden's early red card.

However, Maresca knows the pressure that comes with succeeding Guardiola, who won 20 trophies during his decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

"I said in the first press conference, for me to be in this club is a privilege, and to be in this club after a legend like Pep is a privilege," Maresca said ahead of Sunday's home match against Sunderland.

"I know if I don't win, it's a disaster, and it's normal, but I don't spend my day thinking about who was here before and for how many years."

City have also spent heavily to reshape the squad, with a record £460 million invested in new players following several important departures, including Spain captain Rodri.

Maresca said his attention is firmly on improving his team rather than comparing his work with Guardiola's achievements.

"I'm just here to focus on what we can do better, improve the team and trying to win games," he said.

"I'm very happy with these five or six games in a row, but now the main focus is just on the next one. I'm not thinking that we won six in a row because those games are finished.

"We focus on the next one, and then we have the international break."

Maresca was able to rest most of his regular starters during Thursday's 5-0 League Cup win over Norwich.

Teenager Floyd Samba scored twice on his debut, while Brazilian winger Allan also found the net on his first City appearance.

Rayan Cherki was the only player to start both the United and Norwich matches, although he was substituted at half-time in each.

"It was very important we gave rest to the ones that played back-to-back 90 minutes against Porto and United," Maresca said.

"Hopefully they can be full of energy for Sunday's game."

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