'If I don't win, it's a disaster', says Maresca ahead of Sunderland clash

Maresca has the daunting task of replacing Guardiola, who won 20 trophies in a glorious 10-year reign at the Etihad.

Since losing the Community Shield to Arsenal in pre-season, the Italian has made a flawless start in the campaign with six consecutive wins across three different competitions.

The highlight came last weekend when City won 1-0 at local rivals Manchester United despite playing for over an hour a man down after an early red card for Phil Foden.

Maresca has been backed by a record £460 million splurge on players. He also had to cope with a series of high-profile departures, with Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri among those leaving the Etihad.

"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 Sunderland's visit in the Premier League on Sunday.

"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."

The former Chelsea manager added: "I'm just here to focus on what we can do better, improve the team and trying to win games.

"I'm very happy with these five or six games in a row, but now the main focus is just on the next one, and 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 could afford to give the majority of his key players the night off for Thursday's 5-0 thrashing of Norwich in the League Cup.

Teenager Floyd Samba starred with a double on his debut. Brazilian winger Allan also marked his first City appearance with a goal.

Rayan Cherki, the only player to start both games, was replaced at half-time in each game.

"It was very important we gave rest to the ones that played back-to-back 90 minutes against Porto and United," explained Maresca. "Hopefully they can be full of energy for Sunday's game."