The head coach’s pride is evident when he speaks about his side and the progress they have made since he arrived, and he believes the upcoming fixture against last season’s champions offers the opportunity to showcase that growth.

Speaking ahead of our trip to the Etihad, Maresca recognises the squad have endured a difficult period recently with results, but that moments like this are important in supporting long-term growth within his side.

‘I think we have evolved a lot in six months in terms of the team,’ the Italian opened. ‘The reason why is in the last month we have struggled with results and you need that kind of moment as a team and a manager to get better.

‘Compared to six or seven months ago, we have evolved a lot but there are many things we can do better and for sure we will be better, but the most important thing is you can see how the team has evolved in terms of playing a different way.

‘I always said we are ahead of my expectations in terms of the way we are playing, and our results. Since we started, we have been top four almost all season which is something that in the last two years hasn’t really happened. We are getting better and for sure we need to do many things.’

For Maresca, the journey has also been deeply personal, with the Premier League providing a rewarding learning curve. The demands of managing in one of the world’s toughest leagues has only strengthened his resolve.

He added: ‘Even for me, the experience of every game, playing games every three days – I have always tried to learn from the last game and what we can do better. I think day-by-day we have tried to do better.’