City open our 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase campaign with a tough clash away at FC Porto on Tuesday evening, kick-off 20.00 (UK) and one of the key focal points for Maresca’s side will be the role and impact of Haaland.
The Norwegian has started the new season in superb fashion, bagging three goals from the first three league games.
His stature and importance has also been recognised with him being appointed as part of City’s four-string leadership group for this season.
Maresca knows the Norwegian well having worked closely with him when he was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff during the Treble season in 2022/23.
Asked to compare the difference in Haaland from then to now at Monday night’s pre-match press conference in Portugal, the City boss made a fascinating observation, pointing to Erling’s life now as a family man and father.
“He’s a man now, he’s a dad,” Maresca said.
“When he arrived here, he was not a dad.
“Now life has changed, the priority has completely changed because he is a dad.
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“I am happy for him- he was already top as a player and top as a boy.
“But now you can see that he is complete.
“A family man and still scoring goals. I am very happy for him.”
The Blues flew out to northern Portugal earlier on Monday with a 22-man squad.
Both Nico O’Reilly and Jeremy Doku didn’t make the trip as they seek to recover from fitness issues.
O’Reilly was forced to pull out of the starting eleven shortly before last Saturday’s 1-0 win against Coventry after reporting a back problem.
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Doku meanwhile came off with a calf problem in the Community Shield clash with Arsenal last month.
But addressing the media on Monday night, the boss provided an encouraging update on the pair’s rehabilitation.
Asked about their potential availability for Sunday’s Old Trafford Manchester derby, Maresca said: “Nico probably yes, Jeremy we’re not sure yet, we need to wait.
“Jeremy got injured in the Community Shield. That’s three weeks ago.
“But he’s back, I don’t know if available for the weekend but slowly, slowly he’s coming back.”
A manager giving a press conference with text 'Manager's Preview' and logos of FC Porto, UEFA Champions League, and Manchester City.
A smiling football player in a Manchester City jersey with text 'Player's Preview' and logos of FC Porto, UEFA Champions League, and Manchester City.
A person in a Manchester City polo speaking at a UEFA Champions League press conference with sponsor logos in the background.