New Manchester City boss Enzo Mareska believes the upcoming Community Shield match against Arsenal is far from a routine pre-season warm-up.
This will be Mareska's first official outing in charge following Pep Guardiola's departure, as he aims to instil a winning mentality into his squad right from the outset.
«For me, this is a final. It’s a title. I want to win the game on Sunday,» Mareska told TNT Sports.
«I think it’s important that we’re here until the very end. We compete to the end and aim to win titles,» he added.
The City manager offered high praise for Mikel Arteta's work with Arsenal, who claimed the Premier League title last season. However, there will be no room for sentiment on the pitch in Cardiff.
«I think Arsenal has shown how good they are over the last two, three, four, five years and the work they’ve done. They won the Premier League last season, so maximum respect to Arsenal, to Mikel, to the club,» Mareska said.
«But again, at the same time, we are Manchester City, and we are going to try to win the game,» he emphasised.
Despite having lost some key players from the previous era, Mareska is steadfast in his belief that the focus now should be on fostering the right mindset. He wants to see a spirit of progression and the determination to win trophies emanating from his players.
