Enzo Maresca says Erling Haaland has developed into a “complete” person since becoming a father two years ago, with the Manchester City striker’s priorities changing after the arrival of his son.
Haaland has made another prolific start to the season, finding the net three times as City won their first three Premier League fixtures. The 26-year-old has claimed the competition’s golden boot in three of his four previous campaigns with the club. Maresca believes fatherhood in 2024 gave the Norwegian a different source of motivation.
The manager said: “He has matured into a man and a father. When he joined us in the summer of 2022, he did not have a child. Becoming a parent changes everything because your son becomes your main priority. I am delighted for him. He was already an outstanding player and a great person, but now he appears complete. He is devoted to his family and continues to score goals, so I am very pleased for him.”
City travel to Porto on Tuesday for their first league-phase match in the Champions League. Haaland has played every competitive minute this season, but Maresca confirmed that the forward will eventually be given time to recover, especially after helping Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Italian said: “It is difficult for Erling and every player who represents both club and country. It is natural for them to begin showing signs of fatigue, so giving them a break is the right decision. That could mean missing one match or having an entire week off.
“The decision depends on the circumstances, but our main concern is keeping the players fit and content. Tiredness increases the chance of injury, and we need everyone performing at full capacity.”
If Haaland is left out against Porto, Maresca could deploy Antoine Semenyo through the middle or use Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki as a false nine. He also highlighted the control Foden and Cherki can provide during matches.
“We always prepare a tactical plan, and Rayan can move deeper to help control the rhythm of the match,” the 46-year-old said.
“At the same time, we need Rayan in threatening areas. In the previous 1-0 victory over Coventry, we found him between the lines five or six times and created opportunities.
“His role changes according to the match. Against Coventry, dropping deeper allowed him to dictate the pace and made him harder for the opposition to track. We also need him in advanced positions because of the quality he offers. Phil is capable of performing the same role, and his final ball between the lines is excellent. We are fortunate to have two players who can do that.”
Francesco Farioli guided Porto to their 31st championship in his first season as head coach. His side have since collected all 15 available points from their opening five Primeira Liga fixtures.
Asked whether City would enter the match at the Estádio do Dragão as favourites, Maresca said: “Our aim is to perform as well as possible, and the match itself will show which team deserves that status. This is a difficult stadium to visit, and Porto have started the season strongly. They have lost only once in their past 14 or 15 European games, so we will give everything and attempt to secure the victory.
“Porto are particularly dangerous from set pieces. Those situations have become an increasingly important part of football, so we must defend them properly while also trying to create and score from our own. Every team prepares carefully for set plays, meaning we have to execute them almost perfectly.”
Maresca added that Nico O’Reilly would “probably” return after a late fitness issue kept him out of the Coventry match. However, he remained “uncertain” whether Jérémy Doku would be available following injury.
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