Maresca targets a rest for Haaland as City face Porto

Enzo Maresca heads to the Champions League opener with a clear message about workload management: the Manchester City boss expects Erling Haaland to get some rest, with the striker having played “every competitive minute” so far this campaign, according to The Guardian. Maresca linked the need for rotation to the strain of club and international duty, and also to the personal shift Haaland has described indirectly since becoming a father.

A workload reset

The Guardian reports that Maresca said it’s normal for players to start looking tired during these stretches, stressing that giving time off can be a single game or “one week away”, depending on where the team are in the calendar. He added that when players are fatigued, the risk of injury rises, and City need everyone at 100%.

He also referenced how fatherhood changed Haaland’s priorities. Maresca said Haaland has become “complete” as life has changed since the birth of his son in 2024, calling him “a dad” whose focus shifts to family while he keeps scoring. He pointed to Haaland’s current form too, noting the forward has netted three goals in the opening three Premier League wins.

Options if Haaland sits

If Haaland is rested at the Estádio do Dragão, Maresca suggested Antoine Semenyo as an option up front, or using Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki as a false nine. The manager highlighted how both can help City control games: “There is always a gameplan and Rayan can drop a little bit to manage the tempo,” he said.

The Guardian also notes an injury update. Nico O’Reilly is “probably” available after missing the Coventry match with a late fitness issue, while Jérémy Doku’s status is still uncertain.