Maresca lines up a rotation in Porto
Erling Haaland could get the night off on Tuesday. Enzo Maresca is considering resting his Norwegian striker for Manchester City’s trip to FC Porto in the Champions League. The report comes from the Guardian.
The Norwegian has played every game since the start of the season. Every match, every competition. He is also coming off a packed summer with Norway, who went all the way to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The mileage is starting to add up.
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The Italian coach stands by his call
Maresca is not hiding from it. “It is normal for these players to start showing signs of fatigue. So it makes sense to give them rest, whether that is for a match or a week,” said the City boss.
He pushed the point further. “When you see them tired, the risk of injury goes up, and we need players at 100%.” The message is aimed at a squad already juggling three competitions.
The coach also had a word on the striker’s personal growth. He feels Haaland has matured since the birth of his son in 2024. “He is a man now. He is a father. When he arrived here, he was not a father yet, and now he is, and his life has changed completely because his priority is his son.”
Who steps up front?
Two names are in the frame if the Norwegian is given a rest. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki can both fill the false nine role. Either option changes City’s attack, making it more mobile and less reliant on balls pumped into the box.
Maresca also has other selection doubts to weigh up. Jérémy Doku remains a doubt for the trip. Nico O’Reilly, though, is available.
Kick-off is at 9pm at the Estadio do Dragao. City begin their European campaign away from the Etihad, with or without their main man.
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