Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Manchester City, has evaluated his team’s dramatic 2-1 victory against Bournemouth in the opening match of the Premier League season.
Maresca stated that City remains a “work in progress” despite the last-minute win. He noted no significant improvements since their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Super Cup.
The equalizing goal by Marc Guéhi in the 85th minute, followed by Joško Gvardiol’s strike in stoppage time, secured the victory for the new manager in his league debut, after Marcus Tavernier had given Bournemouth the lead in the first half.
Enzo Maresca: “I Don’t See Major Changes Since the Arsenal Match”
“I feel the same as I did after the match against Arsenal. It’s normal to judge by results, but I don’t see major changes. Unfortunately, this is a team under construction and I am looking for solutions. Victories certainly help,” Maresca said.
He added, “In the Premier League, it’s unrealistic to expect to concede no goals. The goal we conceded came from their first shot. They created two or three dangerous moments, but what matters is how you react.”
Maresca also mentioned key players like [Erling] Haaland, Elliot [Anderson], Marc [Guéhi], and Nico O’Reilly, who are still getting match fit. “There is a huge physical difference, and we will get better as time goes on,” he emphasized, as reported by The Guardian.
Before the match, City fans unfurled a large banner featuring his image with the message: “Welcome back, Enzo.” Maresca commented, “It was a perfect day. I was thrilled to see the banner at the beginning of the match.”
He added, “We gave the fans joy at the end. It was quite emotional. The spirit was fantastic. It was a match we deserved to win, but we shouldn’t have to wait until the last five minutes. We missed chances, then they scored, and everything became more complicated.”
Maresca deployed Guéhi in an unusual midfield role, stating, “I know Marc from Palace and have always believed he can play as a midfielder because he is very good. We tried it for a few days, and I think he performed quite well. He provides us with a future solution.”
