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FBL-EUR-C1-MAN CITY-PSG
FBL-EUR-C1-MAN CITY-PSG
Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has opened up on his post-match conversation with Pep Guardiola following the club's disappointing Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The legendary former boss made a high-profile return to the Etihad Stadium as a spectator, providing a significant talking point during a turbulent period for the reigning Premier League champions.
Guardiola returns to his spiritual home
The sight of Guardiola back in the stands at the Etihad Stadium provided a nostalgic boost for Manchester City supporters, even if the result on the pitch failed to match the occasion. Following the 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, Maresca confirmed he spent time with his predecessor to digest the performance.
"I saw him after, we were talking about the game, about the first-half, second-half," Maresca explained. "He was, first of all, very happy to be at the stadium, and then also very positive about things that he has seen during the game. It was great also for the fans to see him at the stadium and this will be always his house!"
Despite his presence in the building, Guardiola maintained a professional distance from the current squad to ensure Maresca’s authority remained absolute during the matchday proceedings. The Italian tactician confirmed that the multi-time Premier League winner did not enter the inner sanctum of the dressing room to address the players directly. Guardiola did not speak with Manchester City's players during his visit to the Etihad Stadium this week, says Enzo Maresca.
Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2
Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2
Reflecting on the tactical collapse that saw City ship two goals in quick succession, Maresca admitted that the psychological weight of facing elite opposition took its toll on his players' positioning. "I reviewed the PSG game yesterday in the morning very early, I have the same feeling: I think before we conceded the first goal, we had the penalty shout from Rayan Cherki, the free-kick from Enzo, the corner that finished on the crossbar - before their goal," the manager noted.
"Then we conceded the first one, and after one minute we conceded the second one. I think that moment we lost distance between players, we lost the balance. That can happen, thinking the other team is the best team in Europe, and in two minutes you go down 0-2."
Foden return and rotation policy
With a congested fixture list looming, Maresca is weighing up how to reintegrate Phil Foden into the starting eleven following the playmaker's recent absence. The England international is back in contention, but the manager is wary of rushing him back too quickly given the volume of games on the horizon. "Just try to work with him day-by-day," Maresca said regarding the midfielder.
"During the international break and since the red card against Manchester United has been quite long, but he's training well, doing well since we started, very positive, very good. And we'll see for tomorrow, he's available but we have so many games that we'll decide if he's doing to start or not. But no doubt he's going to give us something!"
Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Finally, the manager embraced the lighter side of Manchester City culture by discussing the fans' famous tradition of bringing inflatable bananas to matches. After hearing about the history of the quirky accessory, Maresca admitted his own family has been swept up in the craze.
"Very nice! I didn't know the history behind the banana, I hope tomorrow I can see many bananas in the stadium! I think it's created a nice environment for the fans and for everyone in the stadium! I have four kids, they already asked me for one! Tomorrow they're going to be at the stadium, and we'll see!"