Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca asserted that academy players must prioritise their behaviour over performance if they want to succeed at the club, ahead of their third-round Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City.
Jeremy Monga joined Man City from Leicester City this summer and is spending the 2026/27 season on loan at Swansea City.
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The Citizens boss confirmed he will give several academy players the chance to gain first-team experience at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, including Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite, and Floyd Samba.
Not only are there positives that come from giving youth players the chance to shine in a professional light, but it is equally encouraging for Maresca, who can finally rest the likes of Erling Haaland, Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson.
The Italian will likely hand Geronimo Rulli his senior City debut in place of Gianluigi Donnarumma, while £34 million signing Allan is also likely to get a run out alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri on the flanks with Phil Foden out suspended.
Behaviour Before Performance on the Pitch, Says Maresca in What He Wants to See From Man City Academy Graduates
Speaking ahead of his side’s meeting with the Canaries, who are 14th in the EFL Championship, Maresca said: “I think when the young players are good players, it’s not the age that is going to close or open the door.
“If they are good, they work with us. For sure, they need to be good players, but also in terms of attitude. For instance, we have these three players [Braithwaite, McAidoo and Samba] that are with us, but when they drop down and play with the second team, we always have one of my staff who goes there to follow them.”
Enzo Maresca has revealed that three Manchester City academy graduates will “be involved” in his side’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Norwich City on Thursday.cityxtra.co.ukMaresca Confirms Man City Academy Graduate Trio Will Feature Against Norwich City
Enzo Maresca has revealed that three Manchester City academy graduates will “be involved” in his side’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Norwich City on Thursday.
On the topic of attitude, the City manager explained how he wants his players to set a good example for those in the Elite Development Squad, particularly when a youth player is promoted into the senior squad before returning to the academy.
“First of all is the behaviour, then, for sure, they need to perform in the right way. But we pay attention to the way they play, the way they behave, because in the moment that they are with us, when they drop [back into the EDS], they need to be a good example for he other ones,” he said.
Maresca Hails McAidoo for Dealing With Pressure in Youth Career
Thursday’s clash with Norwich offers plenty of opportunities at City for both Maresca and the players craving a chance to showcase their talent and development under him.
One of those who will certainly want to validate their importance will be McAidoo, who made his debut in City’s 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter City last season and capped a spirited performance with a goal after 86 minutes.
Asked whether McAidoo has dealt with the pressure that has come with his rapid advancement in his career, Maresca revealed: “Absolutely, yes, absolutely. I think the two games he played some minutes in the Premier League; it was good, and nothing changed with him.”
Since joining City’s Under-18 project from Chelsea, now-18-year-old McAidoo - who primarily operates as a right-sided winger - has played 73 games across the City Football Academy, while earning four senior appearances in the first team.