Facing the challenge of the Champions League, Maresca believes Porto will be a difficult opponent to deal with.

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season will kick off with its first round of matches, and Premier League giants Manchester City will travel to Porto for an away game. At a press conference, Maresca stated that Porto is a strong team, but also emphasized that "The Citizens" will give their all to secure a victory.

In an earlier Premier League match, Manchester City defeated Coventry City 1-0 after Semenho assisted Haaland's goal, achieving a three-game winning streak as they prepare for the Champions League challenge.

Manchester City manager Maresca said, "This is a very difficult away game; it's always very difficult to play here. They've been playing exceptionally well, losing only once in their last 14 or 15 European matches, which shows how tough it is to play here. But we will do our best to win the game."

"Porto is a very good team. They have different types of players, and their overall style of play is very distinctive. They are aggressive off the ball and just as aggressive with the ball, and they have a very clear style of play."

Maresca also stated, "However, we will still do our best to win the match. Our ambition remains the same; we will strive to play to our style and win the game, and then see how things develop."

Since the start of the new Premier League season, Norwegian star Erling Haaland has scored 3 goals, continuing to play a key role for Manchester City. Speaking about the striker, Maresca said, "Haaland is a real man now, and he's also a father. When he first came here, he wasn't a father yet."

“His life has changed now, and his focus has completely shifted because he has become a father. I am really happy for him; he has performed exceptionally well as a player and as a young man.”

In addition, Maresca said, "Now everyone can see that Haaland has become more complete. He is a family man and continues to score goals. I am truly happy for him."

Image source: Internet