Enzo Maresca has admitted Manchester City may need to rest Erling Haaland as the club prepares for a demanding run of fixtures following a busy start to the season.
Haaland is expected to be included in City’s squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town, kicking off at 15:00 UK time, after scoring twice in the 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Norwegian striker has made an impressive start to the campaign, scoring 10 goals in nine appearances across all competitions. His brace against PSG also saw him become Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer in European competition.
However, Haaland’s workload is becoming a consideration for Maresca. The forward made four additional appearances for Norway during the recent international break, adding to his demanding schedule at club level.
The City manager acknowledged that rotation may be necessary, with several key players also carrying heavy workloads for both club and country.
“At some point we probably need to give him rest, some days off,” Maresca said during his pre-match press conference.
“We are thinking about this not just with Erling because we have players, unfortunately or fortunately, they are playing all the games with us and all the games with the international teams.
“Elliot, Enzo, Marc, Erling, Rúben – so at some point we probably need to give them some rest.”
Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández, Marc Guéhi and Rúben Dias are among the players whose workloads the manager is monitoring as City navigate a congested fixture list.
Maresca Praises Fernández’s Character
Maresca also spoke warmly about Fernández, who has settled quickly since arriving from Chelsea and has played an important role in City’s strong start to the Premier League campaign.
The Argentine midfielder has helped City win their opening six league matches, putting them three points clear at the top of the table in the context of the report.
Having worked with Fernández previously, Maresca defended the midfielder’s character, suggesting that the public perception of him does not always reflect the person he knows.
“He is a nice person,” Maresca said when asked about the City number 17. “He has a big heart and is a nice person.
“Polite, professional. Sometimes the image from outside is completely different from the reality.
“He is a top guy, with a great family – mum and dad, wife, kids. I know all of them. That’s why I have no doubts about that, he is a very good guy.”
City Face Decisions Over Player Workloads
Maresca’s comments underline the balancing act facing Manchester City as they compete across domestic and European competitions while their international players continue to accumulate minutes.
Haaland’s scoring form makes him a crucial figure in City’s attack, but managing his fitness could become increasingly important as the season progresses.
Whether the striker starts against Ipswich remains a selection decision for Maresca, who must weigh City’s immediate needs against the importance of keeping key players fresh for the challenges ahead.
