The new City boss’s first game in charge ended in disappointment as we were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Riccardo Califiori gave the Gunners the lead inside 30 seconds and they went on to win the 2026/27 curtain-raiser.
“I think a big part of the game was in the first goal we conceded,” Maresca said in his postmatch news conference.
“Unfortunately after 30 seconds we conceded the first one. I think the reaction was good, before they scored the second goal we had three or four chances to score and to draw the game.
“Unfortunately we missed the chances and then after the second goal it became more difficult.”
Asked if he was concerned about the manner of the goals we conceded, he added: “In general I’m always concerned, even when we win games so imagine how that we didn’t win the game.
“It’s just the beginning, we have many things that we need to do better, I think the reaction was good after conceding the first goal and now try to reset and analyse the game and think from Tuesday about the next game.”
Erling Haaland, Nico O’Reilly, Jeremy Doku and Elliot Anderson all came into the starting line-up after missing our pre-season tour to Asia following their involvement at the World Cup.
Maresca explained the decision to bring them into the starting line-up after returning to first team training earlier this week.
“We decide to start with four with just two or three sessions,” he said.
“The reason why was also because sometimes players prefer to start doing the proper warm up and start from the beginning.
“The plan was to change all of them after 45 minutes or one hour maximum so it’s a decision that you take before the game.”
Premier League 2026/27 home tickets now on sale
General admission tickets for Manchester City’s home 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are now on sale to Premium, Matchday and Junior Members.
Season Ticket Members, meanwhile, are now also able to purchase additional tickets for selected games.
Premier League match-by-match ticket prices for junior and adult Matchday Members have been retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.
It promises to be another thrilling campaign for the Blues as we enter a new era under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who takes over from Pep Guardiola in the hotseat.
Make sure you secure your spot at the Etihad Stadium for our Premier League fixtures now!
