Man City: Maresca notes fatigue, injury updates

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that players are experiencing fatigue early in the season, agreeing with striker Erling Haaland’s assessment that the demanding schedule is taking a toll. Haaland, who has scored three goals in three league matches, recently stated on his YouTube channel that he had no preseason and lacked adequate rest following Norway's run to the World Cup quarterfinals. Maresca, speaking at the Dragao Stadium in Porto ahead of the club's Champions League opener against Porto on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, expressed sympathy for his players. "It's not easy for them. It's not easy for Erling, it's not easy for most of the players that they continue to play for their international team," Maresca said. He suggested that providing rest, whether for a single game or a week, is a correct approach depending on the team's situation. The coach emphasized the importance of focusing on day-to-day improvement rather than long-term expectations. The club has confirmed a 22-man squad for the trip to Portugal. However, both Nico O’Reilly and Jeremy Doku will miss the match against Porto.