Enzo Maresca speaks out on Man City's reliance on Erling Haaland after Premier League setbacks
Enzo Maresca has warned his Manchester City squad that they cannot simply rely on Erling Haaland for goals after losing their last two Premier League games.
The striker failed to find the net on Saturday as City lost 1-0 at Brighton, and that defeat cost the team their place at the top of the Premier League as Arsenal took full advantage by beating Liverpool the following day.
City were also beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa prior to the Brighton loss, and Maresca believes it is essential that other players begin adding to the goals tally to help Haaland.
The City manager said: “It’s very important that in each game, we created chances. For sure, when you have Erling inside the pitch, it’s better because he’s going to score goals, or you know he’s always there close.
“At the same time, we cannot rely on Erling for every game. We need also the rest to score goals.
“But, again, I think the last game against Brighton was the only game of the season where we didn’t score. But, for sure, if Erling is on the pitch we are happy.”
Maresca was speaking to media in Germany ahead of City’s Champions League league phase match against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
City have made a solid start in the competition, with victories over Porto and AEK Athens. The one setback came last month, when they were beaten by holders PSG.
Phil Foden stood out against the Greek side, scoring a hat-trick in an encouraging sign that the 2024 player of the year is returning to his best.
The midfielder was dropped by England for last summer’s World Cup after two indifferent seasons with City and also served a domestic suspension earlier in the season after being sent off in the Manchester derby.
Foden said: “Obviously I had the unfortunate red card against Man United but I think the break did me good. I came back really fresh and sharp.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of goals lately and I’ve been really happy with my own performance. Hopefully I can get back to that level. I think I’m starting to get back there now. Hopefully I keep growing and getting better.”
Asked about his England prospects, he said: “It is one of those things. Football is full of ups and downs and it’s one of those things you can’t control.
“You just have to keep trying your best on the field and keep putting in performances. Hopefully, one day, the call-up might come back.”
Asked if he had heard from England manager Thomas Tuchel lately, he said: “I haven’t really spoken to him. There’s not much to say on that.”
Foden has still been on the bench for City’s last two Premier League games despite his recent improvement.
Maresca said: “We are in all competitions and we have 20 senior players – all of them very good – so there’s competition between them.
“We have so many games and many players. It’s not a short run, it’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon.
“It’s very important, for sure, in this moment to win games but it’s also very, very important to arrive in February, March, April, when things are going to be more exciting, having all of them available and fit.”
