Enzo Maresca: Manchester City must accept ‘difficult moments’ after Coventry win

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said “not every performance will be beautiful” after his side beat Coventry City 1-0 to claim a third successive Premier League victory of the season and move top of the table.

Maresca was pleased with the way Manchester City managed a demanding contest against a Coventry side that defended in a compact, deep formation. Although his team did not turn its control into a more convincing scoreline, the manager said the players worked collectively to secure all three points.

“I really liked what we did against Coventry for different reasons,” Maresca told BBC Sport after the match. “In the first half, we could have scored one or two more goals, but we worked together to get the win, so I am happy.”

The result extended Manchester City’s winning start in the league to three matches and placed them at the summit. However, Maresca acknowledged that games of this type can create anxiety among supporters, particularly when a team fails to add a second goal and leaves the result vulnerable until the final whistle.

“It is difficult to play against teams that defend with a low block, and I feel we dealt with that very well,” he said. “It is normal for the fans to worry because in nine out of 10 games like this, you end up feeling bad, but it is important to win 1-0.”

Maresca added that his players would have to become comfortable with winning without necessarily producing a display that is pleasing throughout.

“Not every performance will be beautiful; you also need to go through difficult moments,” he said.

The manager also provided an update on Nico O’Reilly, who was withdrawn from the starting plans after feeling discomfort in his back during the warm-up. Maresca stressed that the problem was not serious, while explaining that Enzo Fernandez came into the side in his place.

“During the warm-up, Nico O’Reilly felt something in his back, but it is not serious,” Maresca said. “Enzo Fernandez came in instead, and his first appearance in front of our home fans was perfect.”

Fernandez’s introduction therefore came at short notice, but Maresca was satisfied with the way he adapted to the situation and contributed to a winning performance. The manager also used the closing stages to give Bouaddi minutes in what he described as a difficult situation.

“Bouaddi also played in the final minutes in a difficult situation, and he will certainly improve,” Maresca said. “All these players need time.”

Despite Manchester City’s narrow victory, Maresca’s assessment was positive. He highlighted the team’s ability to remain united, cope with Coventry’s defensive approach and protect the lead, while accepting that progress would sometimes involve matches that were decided by fine margins rather than attacking fluency.