Maresca urges Manchester City fans to make Paris Saint-Germain clash a special night

Enzo Maresca has called on Manchester City supporters to create a memorable atmosphere when Paris Saint-Germain visit the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Manchester City face Paris Saint-Germain in the second round of the Champions League, with Maresca eager to return to home soil after his side’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

“I am excited to return to the Etihad Stadium,” Maresca said at his pre-match news conference. “As I said, the feeling was good after the Liverpool game, but that match is over. Now our focus is only on tomorrow’s game and I hope we can share some good moments with our fans after it.”

Manchester City’s celebrations at Anfield attracted criticism, but Maresca defended the players’ reaction to the result.

“Why are we being criticised for celebrating?” he said. “We won 3-0 at Anfield, so what were we supposed to do? Even if we had won by one goal, we would have celebrated in the same way.

“Today we are here to win tomorrow’s game. That is the only thing we need to focus on. We were extremely happy on the pitch and you cannot imagine how happy we were in the dressing room.”

Maresca also revealed he had spoken to Pep Guardiola after the Manchester United match and praised the former manager’s continuing connection with the club.

“I spoke to Guardiola after the Manchester United game and I think his coming to visit us is special,” he said. “This was his home for 10 years and it still is. What he achieved here is remarkable for everyone.”

Maresca believes Manchester City will need to produce their best performance against a Paris Saint-Germain side he regards as the strongest team in Europe at present.

“My message to the players is simple,” he said. “Tomorrow we need to play the perfect game because we are facing the best team in Europe right now. They have won the Champions League in the last two editions, which proves how good they are.

“I believe we can beat them and be happy at the end.”

The manager also stressed the importance of the supporters’ backing, pointing to the atmosphere they created during the victory at Anfield.

“My message to the fans is that they gave us their passion and their voice at Anfield, and I hope they do the same tomorrow because we need it,” Maresca said.

Manchester City host Ipswich at the weekend, but Maresca said the immediate priority was the Champions League fixture before attention turns back to domestic football.

“We also have a home game against Ipswich on Saturday. That is a league match and we have to continue our journey,” he said. “I am excited about tomorrow’s game. I was here during the season when we won the treble and I know Champions League nights are special. I hope tomorrow night will be special too.”