City’s boss warns that a 65‑game schedule demands careful squad management before the Champions League showdown with Leipzig.
Key points
- Maresma frames the season as a marathon, planning rotation to manage player fatigue.
- Phil Foden’s form is highlighted, with competition from Rayan Cherki and others.
- City will look beyond Erling Haaland for goals after his scoring streak ended.
- The aim is to have a fit squad for the crucial February‑March period of the Champions League.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresma told reporters on 3 November that the club must treat the 2026‑27 campaign as a marathon rather than a sprint as they head into a Champions League quarter‑final against RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday.
When asked about his recent squad rotation, Maresma said players such as Phil Foden, Iliman Ndiaye and Rayan Cherki are being given regular minutes to keep the entire senior group sharp, praising Foden’s daily improvement and highlighting the healthy competition among the 20 senior players.
Rotation policy explained
Emphasising the long haul of roughly 65 matches across all competitions, the Italian coach said the priority is to keep the squad fit for the decisive stages in February and March, rather than over‑relying on a core eleven.
The manager also spoke about the recent home loss to Brighton, which snapped Erling Haaland’s run of nine consecutive games with a goal. Haaland has scored 13 of City’s 24 goals this season, but Maresma warned that the team must create chances from multiple sources.
Balancing the goal threat
"He’s always there and close, but we cannot depend on Erling for everything," Maresma said, adding that every player needs to contribute to the goal tally if City are to maintain their push for the Premier League title and advance in Europe. (Source: BBC Sport)
Reader questions
Why is Manchester City rotating its squad?
Maresma says the club faces about 65 games and wants to keep players fresh for the latter stages of the season.
How did Erling Haaland’s scoring streak end?
A defeat to Brighton stopped his run of nine games with a goal; he had 13 goals in nine matches.
Who are the other attacking options mentioned?
Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye are cited as players receiving more minutes and expected to contribute.
Source: bbc.com
