Maresca says Haaland is still building fitness after late Manchester City arrival

Enzo Maresca praised Manchester City’s late 2-1 victory over Bournemouth but said several players, including Erling Haaland, are still effectively in pre-season after joining the squad only 10 days ago.

Manchester City secured the win in the final seconds, with Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol scoring after Marcus Tavernier had put Bournemouth ahead. The result extended City’s unbeaten run against Bournemouth to five matches, including four wins and one draw. Their last defeat by Bournemouth came in November 2024, when they lost 2-1.

“I am happy that we won,” Maresca told reporters. “I think we deserved to decide the match earlier because we controlled the game and created chances. Before the goal we conceded, we had three or four clear opportunities and missed them.”

The manager said the timing of several players’ arrivals had affected their readiness for competitive action.

“We had four or five players today who joined the team very late, only 10 days ago,” he said. “So for them it is still pre-season. Erling Haaland is one of them, as are Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly. That makes things complicated.”

Haaland failed to score in Manchester City’s opening Premier League match for the first time in his career.

Maresca also explained why Guehi was used in midfield, despite being known primarily as a defender.

“Sometimes you imagine certain things,” he said. “I have known Marc since his time at Crystal Palace, and I always thought he could play in midfield because he is a very good player.

“We tried him during the first two days as a defender who moved forward, then over the past two days we tried him as a clear midfielder. I think the experiment was very good.”

Guehi eventually found the net, contributing to a dramatic conclusion alongside Gvardiol as City overturned Bournemouth’s lead.

Maresca said he did not yet have an update on the club’s reported interest in Ayoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder, but suggested there could still be movement before the transfer window closes.

“I do not know anything,” he said. “I will meet with the board after the news conference to find out the latest news.”

He added: “There is one week left in the transfer market, and certainly something will happen.”

The manager was also impressed by substitute Rayan Cherki, who provided two assists during a 30-minute appearance and helped change the match in City’s favour.

“His impact was amazing, but he is the type of player who can change a game,” Maresca said. “I love Rayan, and I told him that after the match as well.”

Egypt international Omar Marmoush was an unused substitute. He remained on the bench as discussions continue over whether he will stay at Manchester City or leave for Tottenham.