Man City Manager Maresca Sees Champions League Potential Despite Loss to PSG

Despite a 4-2 Champions League defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca maintains that his team is on par with top European competition and has the potential to contend for the trophy. The match, City's first at the Etihad Stadium since being found guilty of financial rule breaches, was attended by manager Pep Guardiola, who offered his support from the directors' box.

Erling Haaland scored twice in the game, surpassing Sergio Aguero to become the club's record scorer in the Champions League. However, City could not overcome a three-goal deficit to complete a comeback.

Maresca expressed his belief that his squad is close to challenging for the Champions League, even with the threat of significant sporting sanctions from the Premier League. "We are there, we are close," Maresca stated. He noted his admiration for PSG's style of play, describing them as "brave" and "dynamic."

The Italian manager apologized to the City supporters for the team's first-half performance, which saw them trail 3-0 by halftime. He acknowledged that the team struggled with balance and player spacing, particularly after conceding goals. "Against this kind of team it’s already difficult," Maresca said.

He rejected the notion that fatigue from recent matches or the emotional impact of a previous victory affected his players. However, Maresca did emphasize the need for his team to maintain mental focus in future matches against elite European clubs. "We can learn many things from the game," he added. "That even if we concede two against the best team in Europe, we (should) keep doing the right things."

Maresca concluded by expressing optimism about the team's progress, stating, "But I have only been here three months and see many good things."