Maresca took charge of the side after 10 years of brilliance under Pep Guardiola while several senior players including Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri left for pastures new.
However, the Blues sit top of the Premier League after eight matches, have won two of our three Champions League ties and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
How can I watch City v Brighton on TV?
Maresca says City could be ahead of schedule in terms of that transition, but that the work isn’t done yet.
“I think we’re going in the right direction,” he said in Friday’s press conference ahead of our Premier League clash with Brighton.
“I said in the last press conference, after so many years to change manager and many players it takes time to compete again and in this moment we are competing.
“We changed many players and the manager but good thing about the club is we are competing in all the competitions and we know it takes time when you make this many changes but in this moment, we continue in the same way.”
Brighton come into the game third in the Premier League, having picked up 16 points from their first eight matches.
Fabian Hurzeler has led them to consecutive eighth placed finishes, but Maresca is well aware this weekend’s visitors could be targeting more this term.
Our boss says the unpredictability of the division is what makes it special.
“For instance Aston Villa, Newcastle in the last seasons have been there,” he began.
“Every season you can have one or two surprises that they are there and now the level is so similar that you can drop points against any team and win against any team. It’s more similar level.
“It’s very good for the Premier League and that’s why probably so many people love the Premier League. You never know. It’s always complicated.”
Make a Night of It!
Hospitality for our remaining home Champions League games are now on sale.
After games with PSG and AEK Athens, City still face Napoli and Sporting CP at the Etihad in the League Phase of the 2026/27 competition.
We face Kevin De Bruyne’s Serie A side on Tuesday 24 November and Matheus Nunes’s former club on Wednesday 27 January – all kick-off times are 20:00 (UK).
And you can be here to see both high quality match ups with a range of packages available.
Prices start from £95 while we also have 20% off City Hall and Crossbar when two or more UCL League Phase games are purchased – the offer will automatically be added in your basket when you add two more fixtures.
Make your matchday unforgettable by booking one of our incredible hospitality experiences.
