Maresca: We deserved more, the whole team performed well in the second half

Following Manchester City's match against Paris Saint-Germain, manager Enzo Maresca spoke to the club's official media.

Reporter: Enzo, this is obviously a very frustrating result. Overall, how would you assess this game? A lot happened in this match, didn't it?

Maresca: Yes, it was a strange game. Before we conceded the first goal, we didn't give our opponent many chances, and we created some opportunities ourselves. But immediately after conceding the first goal, we conceded a second, and I think that put the team through a difficult period.

In the second half, I think we created a lot of chances, so we probably deserved more. But again, it's a learning process. We can learn from this match and do better next time.

Reporter: Despite the less than ideal final result, you must still be very proud of these players because they never stopped fighting, especially in the second half, where you created chances again and again.

Maresca: Yes, absolutely. As I just said, we probably deserved more in the second half. But we can build on that, figure out where we can improve, and move forward.

Reporter: Enzo, at this level, against a team like Paris Saint-Germain, is this part of the team's learning and growth process?

Maresca: Yes, absolutely. I think conceding two goals in two minutes is very damaging for any team, especially when you're already facing a difficult opponent. But in the second half, we created a lot of chances and deserved more from the game.

Reporter: There were also many positives from this match. I have to ask you about Haaland's performance. His two goals mean he has now scored 38 goals in 41 appearances for us and has become our all-time leading scorer in the Champions League. What more can you say about him?

Maresca: Incredible, incredible. He scored two goals. To be honest, he had some other chances as well, but he's always in the right place. I think Bouaddi also performed very well, and Iliman Ndiaye played well too. I think everyone performed well, especially in the second half.

Reporter: One more important point: despite tonight's defeat, the team's season start has still been excellent. Looking back at this match, what message will you convey to the players?

Maresca: I still believe we are in a strong position and remain in contention. The second half has already proven that. Now we need to recover and try to win on Saturday, because we need to maintain our momentum in the Premier League.

Reporter: Enzo, I also wanted to ask about the fan support tonight. You mentioned it in your press conference yesterday. Their support for the team was fantastic, wasn't it?

Maresca: Yes, they supported the team for 95 minutes. Even in the first half, perhaps because they could see the team was still in the game and showed spirit. Yes, they were always there. For Saturday's match, we need them just as much.

Reporter: As you said, one last question: important matches keep coming. Returning to the Premier League on Saturday at home against Ipswich is a very important opportunity to bounce back, isn't it?

Maresca: Yes, absolutely. This is an opportunity for us. It will be a tough match because they have a full week to recover and prepare. We need to manage our player rotation carefully. But again, we need to maintain our momentum and try to win on Saturday.

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