Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan in his first game in charge of the Premier League champions.
City and Inter played out a 1-1 draw in their pre-season friendly in Hong Kong on Saturday before the Italian champions secured a 3-1 victory on penalties.
Speaking after the match, Maresca said he was encouraged by what he saw from his players.
“I’m very happy with the performance. Many positive things, including minutes for the legs, that’s very important,” he said.
The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager admitted there was still room for improvement but insisted the team would continue to grow.
“Like always, there are things we can do better, but slowly, slowly, we’re going to improve,” he added.
Manchester City took the lead in the 14th minute when Divin Mubama finished from close range after a cross from Antoine Semenyo.
However, Benjamin Pavard equalised for Inter Milan before halftime after City failed to clear a dangerous cross.
Both teams created chances in the second half, with Vitor Reis hitting the crossbar and Ryan McAidoo striking the post, but neither side found a winner before the match went to penalties.
Reflecting on City’s display, Maresca admitted his side struggled with their pressing in the opening half but praised their response after the break.
“We were pressing in the wrong way… At half-time we adjusted something, and I think, second half, in terms of pressing, we were much, much better,” he said.
Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola in June, is preparing City for the new season, with the club set to face a K League All-Star team, Atletico Madrid, and later Arsenal in the Community Shield before the start of the Premier League campaign.
Source: AFP
