Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is planning to rest striker Erling Haaland during the upcoming fixture congestion, with the team's Champions League opener against Porto on Tuesday a key part of the schedule. Maresca told The Guardian that the Norwegian's priorities have shifted since becoming a father, making him a more complete player, but his workload needs managing after a demanding summer.
Haaland has started the season strongly, scoring three times in City's first three Premier League wins. He played every minute of those matches and was also involved in Norway's run to the World Cup quarter-finals. Maresca indicated a break is necessary. "It's not easy for Erling or for any of the players that play for club and international teams," the manager said. "I think it is normal that you see these players start to be tired. So, it's correct to give them some rest."
If Haaland is rested against Porto, Maresca has several tactical options. He could select Antoine Semenyo as a direct replacement at centre-forward. Alternatively, he might deploy Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki in a false nine role to gain more control in midfield. Maresca highlighted the specific qualities of the latter two. "Rayan can drop a little bit to manage the tempo and the game," he explained. "We need him in the right position because he gives us the quality. Phil can also do that."
The manager pointed to City's recent 1-0 win over Coventry as an example, where Cherki connected with teammates between the lines several times to create chances.
Tuesday's match at the Estádio do Dragão marks the start of the Champions League's new league phase. Porto, managed by Francesco Farioli, are in strong form. They have won their first five Primeira Liga matches this season and lost just once in their last 15 European home games. Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of the trip. "This is a hard place to come," he stated. "We are here to do our best. The game will dictate the favourite."
The Italian also identified set pieces as a particular threat from the Portuguese champions. He stressed that defending them properly is now a fundamental part of the game at the highest level.
Maresca provided updates on two players ahead of the trip. Midfielder Nico O'Reilly, who missed the Coventry game with a late fitness issue, will "probably" be available for selection. There is more uncertainty around winger Jérémy Doku, with the manager saying he was "not sure" about his availability as he works his way back from injury.
Maresca believes the birth of Haaland's son in 2024 has had a profound impact on the striker's maturity and focus. "He's a man now. He's a dad," Maresca said. "When he arrived here he was not a dad and now he's a dad and life completely changes because the priority becomes his son." The manager added that this development has rounded out a player who was already exceptional, calling him "complete" and a "family man" who continues to score goals.
Haaland's record at City is remarkable. In three of his four previous seasons at the club, he has won the Premier League's Golden Boot award. His form shows no signs of dipping, but the physical demands on top players are immense. Managing his minutes is a strategic priority for Maresca in his first season in charge. City's next match after Porto is a Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday 12 September.
