Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued a stern warning to his squad, declaring that their upcoming fixture against Sunderland could well prove to be the “toughest game of the season” so far.

As City chase domestic dominance, managers across the league understand that complacency is the ultimate enemy. Heading into the match, Maresca in a chat with the club’s website, made it clear that his side cannot afford to take anything for granted against a well-drilled and highly motivated opponent.

Emphasizing the physical and tactical demands of the fixture, the City boss urged his players to match Sunderland’s intensity from the first whistle to the last.

Maresca’s cautious approach aims to keep his squad completely focused, avoiding any slip-ups during a critical phase of the campaign.

“I know how strong they are, and I have the feeling that on Sunday we need a top performance to beat them, and we need to be 100% to win the game,” said Maresca.

“My feeling is, after watching them, is that on Sunday it will be the toughest game since the start of the season.

“If you watch them, you are not surprised (at how well they have done), because you will realise how good they are, how good they are on the ball, off the ball, how aggressive they are, the amount of duels that they win every game.”