Aston Villa Coach Unai Emery has praised Enzo Maresca for the impact he has had Manchester Cityadmitting his side face a tough challenge against one of the The Premier League stronger teams.
Villa host City on Saturday, with Emery’s side looking to close the gap on their opponents after a difficult start to the campaign.
The Spaniard believes Maresca’s understanding of City’s culture and style of play has been crucial to their impressive form, having previously worked with Pep Guardiola.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Emery singled out Maresca as the driving force behind City’s performances.
“I think the key is the coach. Enzo Maresca is doing a fantastic job,” said Emery.
“He worked with Guardiola, he worked at Leicester, successfully, at Chelsea, successfully.
“And now he knows the Manchester City players: the culture, the club. And he follows the same path as they did before with Guardiola. I think that’s the key.”
“They are Arsenal’s favourites. Last year Manchester City and Arsenal are so strong, so competitive in everything. The identity is clear. So sometimes we dream of being close to them.”
Aston Villa face concerns over Manzambi’s fitness ahead of the clash with City
Villa could be without summer signing Johan Manzambi for Saturday’s game, with the midfielder facing a late test of form.
The in-form youngster has impressed since arriving at Villa Park, but his involvement against City remains uncertain.
Emery also confirmed that Amadou Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri will miss the game.
“Some players are clearly out like Amadou Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri,” he explained.
“The rest of the players we will see how they are after the game we played on Wednesday and so on.
“They were in a little bit of pain, but I can’t tell you now until after practice this afternoon.”
