Full Breakdown
Maresca’s Manchester City: New Tactics, Transfers and a Porto Showdown
9/8/2026, 2:34:23 AM
Core Event – Musical Training, Squad Rotation and New Signings Ahead of the Champions League
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca opened the training ground to media on Monday before the Champions League group-stage match at Porto’s Estádio do Dragão. Players worked to a nightclub-style soundtrack, a routine Maresca says he used at Leicester City and Chelsea. Defender Matheus Nunes noted the squad “want to be DJs.”
Maresca said striker Erling Haaland may be rested against Porto to manage fatigue from his World Cup duties. Alternatives include Antoine Semenyo up front or Phil Foden/Rayan Cherki in a false-nine role. Injuries remain a concern: Jeremy Doku is expected to miss the first five league matches, while Nico O’Reilly is “slowly” returning, with his availability for the upcoming derby uncertain.
The manager also welcomed the arrival of Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye, who joined from Everton for a £65 million fee after turning down a contract extension. Ndiaye called the move “obvious” because City offer Champions League football and a place among the world’s best clubs.
Background & Context
Maresca took over from Pep Guardiola this summer and has already guided City to the top of the Premier League after three wins. The club entered the season as defending European champions, having won the 2023 final against Inter Milan. City’s summer spending reached a club-record nearly £430 million, underscoring the expectations on the new manager.
Key Figures & Groups
- Enzo Maresca – manager, former assistant at Leicester and Chelsea.
- Erling Haaland – striker, three Premier League goals in the opening three matches.
- Iliman Ndiaye – winger, £65 million signing from Everton.
- Jeremy Doku – winger, injury-limited.
- Nico O’Reilly – midfielder, recovering.
- Phil Foden – midfielder, potential false-nine.
- Rayan Cherki – forward, capable of dropping deep.
- Antoine Semenyo – forward, possible centre-forward.
- Francesco Farioli – Porto manager.
Data & Statistics
- Haaland: 3 goals in City’s first three Premier League fixtures.
- Ndiaye transfer fee: £65 million (? $88 million).
- Club’s summer outlay: nearly £430 million.
- City’s league position: top after three wins.
Official Statements & Responses
Maresca stressed that “the expectation is always higher” at Manchester City and that his focus remains on incremental improvement. He highlighted set-piece proficiency, noting Porto’s strength in that area and urging his side to be “perfect” defensively and offensively on such occasions. He expressed optimism about O’Reilly’s gradual return while acknowledging Doku’s longer-term absence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's something I had in Leicester, in Chelsea, and I introduced here,” — Enzo Maresca
- “I know that Porto is very good in set pieces. I think it has become part of the game now so we need to do our best, defend in the right way, score goals as much as we can from set pieces because it’s part of the game and you need to be perfect because all teams are prepared for that.” — Enzo Maresma
- “There was no stress or no panicking,” — Iliman Ndiaye
- “I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world.” — Iliman Ndiaye
What’s Next
City travel to Portugal for the Champions League opener against Porto, a match Maresca describes as one that will “dictate the favourite.” After the European fixture, City face a Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The manager indicated that O’Reilly could be available for the derby, whereas Doku is unlikely to feature for at least the first five league games. Rotation decisions for Haaland and the integration of Ndiaye will shape City’s early season trajectory.
