Maresca says Haaland is ‘a complete person’ as Manchester City prepare for Porto test

Enzo Maresca says Erling Haaland has changed significantly since becoming a father and is now a more complete person, both on and off the pitch, as Manchester City prepare to begin their Champions League campaign against Porto in Portugal on Tuesday.

Maresca also warned that City must be ready to defend set pieces effectively against a Porto side he considers particularly dangerous from dead-ball situations.

“I know Porto are a very strong team from set pieces, and I think they have now become an essential part of the game,” Maresca said at his pre-match news conference.

“We have to do our very best and defend in the right way. Now you have to be perfect because all teams are prepared for that.”

Haaland has made an impressive start to the new season, scoring three goals in his first three league appearances. Maresca believes the Norway striker has also developed away from football since becoming a father.

“He has become a man now, and he has become a father. His life has changed completely, and his priorities have changed completely because he has become a father,” Maresca said.

“I am happy for him. He was always a top-class player and a wonderful person, but now you can see that he has become a complete person.”

Maresca added: “Haaland is a family man and he is still scoring goals. I am very happy for him.”

City travel to Portugal without Nico O’Reilly and Jeremy Doku, who are continuing their recoveries from physical problems.

Maresca suggested O’Reilly could return for Sunday’s match against Manchester United, although Doku’s availability remains uncertain.

“Maybe Nico will be available for the Manchester United game on Sunday, while with Jeremy we are not sure yet. We have to wait,” he said.

“Jeremy Doku was injured in the Community Shield, three weeks ago, but he has come back. I do not know if he will be available against United, but he is gradually returning.”

The City manager said the club’s status meant expectations were always high, but he preferred to concentrate on the team’s immediate work rather than make long-term predictions.

“When you are at Manchester City, the expectations are always higher. I prefer to focus more on the work day by day,” Maresca said.

“It is very difficult to think about where we could be in February, March or April in terms of expectations. For me, the most important thing is to see that we are improving from one game to another, and then we will see.”

City’s meeting with Porto represents the opening match of their Champions League campaign this season. Their next domestic fixture is the Manchester derby against Manchester United on Sunday, when Maresca hopes at least one of the absent players will be considered for selection.