Maresca agrees with Haaland that players started season jaded

Manchester City's coach, Enzo Maresca, acknowledged on Monday that his World Cup players found it challenging to find form early in the season. Speaking at the Dragao Stadium before Tuesday's match against Porto, Maresca suggested that the players may be feeling tired. This sentiment echoed the remarks made by striker Erling Haaland on his YouTube channel earlier in the day.

Haaland, who has scored three goals in three league matches, did not participate in warm-up games due to Norway's World Cup quarterfinals. Haaland highlighted the mental aspect of football, stating that staying sharp is difficult when there is a lack of pre-season training. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an eager feeling to perform well, despite the long and demanding season.

Maresca empathized with Haaland and his teammates, stating that it is not easy for them to continue playing for their international teams. He suggested that giving players a break, whether it's a game or a week away, could help them stay focused and improve their performance throughout the season. Maresca stressed that maintaining a daily focus is crucial for their progress and that improving game by game is the most important aspect.