Marc Guéhi insists Manchester City are learning and improving under Enzo Maresca despite recent defensive struggles, as the Premier League leaders prepare to host AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League.
City welcome the Greek visitors to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday amid a demanding run of fixtures, with the match marking their fourth appearance in nine days since domestic football resumed.
Guéhi has played every minute of that busy sequence, which began with a commanding 3–0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, continued with a 4–2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and concluded with a hard-fought 3–2 league win over Ipswich Town.
Despite collecting seven wins from their opening seven Premier League matches, City have conceded nine goals across their last three home games. The defensive record has raised questions, but Guéhi believes the team’s development under Maresca must also be considered.
“I wouldn’t say [it’s] a concern [conceding these goals]. There are many things we have to consider,” the England international said at his pre-match press conference.
“New manager and getting used to playing together in the system the manager wants us to [use] and hopefully as time goes by, we learn and improve.”
Guéhi Takes Responsibility for Defensive Errors
The City defender acknowledged that there are areas the team must improve, highlighting the importance of reviewing performances and learning from individual mistakes.
With fixtures arriving in quick succession, City have relied on meetings, video analysis and tactical sessions to identify weaknesses and work towards solutions.
“[With so many games] There have been a lot of meetings and reviewing clips inside.
“Things that we can do better. For example, in the last game I know I can do better but that’s just football.
“I’m glad I’ve got teammates to help me out at the other end as well.”
Guéhi also stressed that improvement is not limited to work on the training pitch. Recovery, sleep and maintaining physical condition have become essential parts of preparing for each match during the congested schedule.
“As much learning [as we can] whether it’s on the pitch or off the field with the clips that we’re watching.
“When we can we get on the pitch to go through things and tactics but it’s a lot of recovery, sleep, and making sure the body is right for the next game.”
The defender was particularly candid when discussing the goals conceded against Ipswich, accepting personal responsibility while remaining confident that the team can address its shortcomings.
“There’s work we can do as a team but when I look at those goals at the weekend, it’s down to me and for me to look at and try to improve and put right in the next game.”
City Look to Respond in Europe
Tuesday’s encounter presents City with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Champions League League Phase after a mixed opening to their European campaign.
Maresca’s side began with a 2–0 away victory over FC Porto in September but suffered a 4–2 defeat at home to reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in their second fixture.
Those results left City with three points from two matches and 17th place in the League Phase standings ahead of the AEK Athens encounter. The Greek side also had three points and occupied 20th place at the time of the preview.
With both teams looking to improve their positions, Guéhi expects the visitors to provide another stern test.
“We know they’re a very good team and got a win in their first game and have very good attackers that have a lot of experience,” he said.
“So we need to be aware and mindful of that.
“They are going to come here and try to make the game difficult [but] hopefully we can do well and get the three points.”
A Test of City’s Progress Under Maresca
City’s perfect Premier League record demonstrates the strength of their start under Maresca, but the recent goals conceded highlight an area requiring attention as the campaign progresses.
Guéhi’s comments suggest the squad are aware of the need to tighten up defensively without losing confidence in the manager’s approach.
Against AEK Athens, City will aim to combine their attacking threat with greater defensive discipline and return to winning ways in Europe.
For Guéhi and his teammates, the objective is clear: turn the lessons from recent matches into an improved performance and secure three valuable Champions League points at the Etihad Stadium.
