Enzo Maresca has urged Manchester City’s critics to look beyond the disputed winning goal in the Manchester derby, arguing that his side’s work with 10 men for most of the match deserved greater attention.
Maresca: City performance mattered more than one decision
The City manager accepted that refereeing calls can cut both ways after the derby’s decisive moment sparked debate, but said the post-match conversation had become too narrowly fixed on a single incident.
Maresca pointed to an earlier derby from his time on City’s coaching staff, saying the club had suffered a comparable setback against Manchester United three years ago. City lost that match, he said, after a goal which should not have stood, and no apology followed.
“Some days a decision works for you and on other days it goes against you,” Maresca said. “When I was here three years ago, the same thing happened against United. We lost that derby to a goal that was not legal, and nobody apologised. We are still waiting for that apology.”
Rather than dwell on the controversy surrounding City’s winner, Maresca stressed the resolve shown by his players after being reduced to 10 men. His side played around 70 to 75 minutes a man short during the contest.
“To discuss only one incident after a game like that, when we spent 70 or 75 minutes with 10 players, is rather poor,” he said. “The performance was incredible and I am happy with what the team produced.”
The Italian’s message was clear: the derby may be remembered for its contentious finish, but he believes City’s response to adversity was the more telling part of the afternoon.
SEO Title: Enzo Maresca backs Manchester City after controversial derby winner
SEO Description: Enzo Maresca says Manchester City’s display with 10 men should be the focus after controversy over the winning goal in the Manchester derby.
