Maresca reveals how fatherhood changed Haaland as Man City prepare for Porto

Enzo Maresca says Erling Haaland has become a more mature player and person since joining Manchester City after becoming a father, as City prepare to begin their Champions League campaign away to Porto on Tuesday.

The match will be played at the Estadio do Dragao in the opening round of the competition’s league phase, with Maresca also confirming that Jeremy Doku is not yet ready to return, although he has resumed training.

“Erling has become a mature man and a father. When he arrived here, he was not that,” said Maresca. “His life changed completely after he had a son. He is a top-level player and a wonderful person, but now he is a complete human being and a family man.”

Maresca, who also discussed the mental demands on Haaland and other players involved with their national teams, said rest could be necessary when signs of tiredness emerge.

“It is not easy for Erling, or for players who play for their national teams,” he said. “When we notice that they are tired, it is right to give them some rest, whether that is for one match or for a week.”

“The most important thing for me is to make sure they are fully fit and happy. We need 11 players at the top of their game.”

Maresca expects a demanding contest against Porto, who he praised for their organisation, aggression and quality from set-pieces.

“Porto are a very good team, with a clear and distinctive style of play, so I congratulate them for that,” he said. “They have excellent players and a clear way of playing. They are aggressive with the ball and without it, but we hope we can win tomorrow.”

He added: “Porto are organised and strong at set-pieces. I think that aspect has become very important in football. We have to do our best, defend in the right way and try to score, while being perfect at set-pieces, because every team is now very good in that area.”

Asked about Porto manager’s comments that Manchester City had spent about 500m euros during the summer transfer window, Maresca said the figure did not create pressure.

“You can ask him that question. For me, it is not pressure; it is an advantage.”

Maresca said his previous Champions League experience, including being part of City’s treble-winning season and his time at Chelsea, would not alter the team’s approach.

“I was here in the season when we won the treble, and I had good experiences with Chelsea,” he said. “It is a different competition, but we have to play in our usual way and adapt to the new Champions League format. It is a different competition, but the ambition remains the same.”

He refused to identify a clear favourite to win the tournament.

“We are here to give our best. The match will decide who is favourite to win, because playing here is difficult and the task is tough. We will do our best and try to win the game.”

Maresca also said music has been used during training at Leicester, Chelsea and now City because it helps the players enjoy their work.

“When the music is played, the players feel happy. They choose the music themselves,” he said.

Team news and tactical roles

Nico O’Reilly will be available at the weekend, but Doku will not be involved yet. Maresca said there had been no setback for the Belgium international, who has returned to training, but he was unsure whether Doku would be fit for the weekend.

Maresca explained that Rayan Cherki’s positioning changes according to the phase of a match. The French midfielder drops deeper when City are in their own half to help control the tempo, but moves higher in the opposition half, where his passing can create danger.

“It depends on the type of match,” said Maresca. “Against Coventry, it was good for him to drop a little deeper when we were in our own half because he gives us a lot of quality.”

“He was in exactly the right position when we scored the second goal against Bournemouth, and he is doing very well with us. I also believe Phil Foden can deliver those passes between the lines, and we are very lucky to have both of them.”

Maresca said the greater expectations at a club such as City were best handled by concentrating on daily improvements.

“When you are at a club like City, expectations are higher,” he said. “I prefer to focus on the work day by day. For me, the most important thing is to see that we are improving.”

Nunes ready for Porto

Matheus Nunes said he was fully fit after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in a training challenge before the Arsenal match.

“I am well and 100% ready. It was an ankle injury. I received a strong tackle during the training session before the Arsenal game, but I am fine now,” he said.

Nunes believes Porto will provide a stern test, although he stopped short of calling it City’s most difficult match of the season.

“I do not know if this is the most complicated game. The matches against Arsenal and Crystal Palace were difficult too,” he said. “We are facing one of the best teams in Portugal and I am sure it will be a tough game, so we have to produce our best.”

He described Porto as a team enjoying possession and controlling matches more than in the past.

“From what I have seen, I think they really enjoy playing now. They enjoy controlling the game a lot, and that is a big difference. When I played here, the style was based on quick transitions. Fighting spirit is part of their DNA. Whether they are better or worse now is for others to judge.”

Nunes said Maresca had brought a fresh atmosphere and high standards to City.

“He has brought huge energy, and there is a feeling of new energy around the place,” he said. “He has very positive energy and he is the one who sets the standards.”

Having worked with Pep Guardiola for three seasons and Maresca for only a few months, Nunes said it was too early for a detailed comparison.

“Maybe I can answer that question after a few more months. Both have great passion, so I see more similarities than differences.”

Nunes also praised City’s new signings and said the squad was helping them settle. On the possible signing of Fernandez, he added: “As players, we do not know the details, but we want to bring in the best players, and Enzo is one of them. We were delighted. When a new player comes in, it means the club have done a great job in the transfer window.”

He described Haaland as the club’s vice-captain and a major personality who had won everything with City.

“He is the second captain and a big character. He has won everything with the club. He is a great person, and I am happy that his leadership role is becoming stronger and more mature. He thoroughly deserves it.”

Nunes expects to play mainly at right-back this season, although he remains willing to operate elsewhere.

“I think it will be the same. There may be moments when I can play in other positions, but mainly I think I will play as a right-back this season. I can play anywhere, and I am happy at right-back.”

He added that City would again aim to win the Champions League, which he called the hardest competition, particularly in the knockout stages where one poor performance can end a team’s run, unlike in the Premier League where there is an opportunity to recover.