Enzo Maresca reflects on Erling Haaland’s transformation into a more complete player since becoming a father two years ago, noting that his priorities have shifted significantly. Haaland, who has scored three goals in Manchester City’s opening three Premier League matches this season, has previously secured the Premier League golden boot three times in his four seasons at the club.

Maresca stated, “He’s a man now. He’s a dad... life completely changes because the priority becomes his son.” This evolution has not only made Haaland a family man but also a more effective player on the field.

As Manchester City prepares for their opening Champions League match against Porto on Tuesday, Maresca acknowledged the need to manage Haaland’s workload. He emphasized the importance of resting players to prevent fatigue and injuries, stating, “It’s not easy for Erling or for any of the players that play for club and international teams.” He indicated that Haaland may be rested for certain matches, especially after his participation in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Should Haaland be rested against Porto, Maresca has options, including Antoine Semenyo as a center-forward or utilizing Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki in a false 9 role. He praised the tactical flexibility these players offer, particularly in managing game tempo.

As for Porto, who have had a strong start to their season with 15 points from five matches, Maresca acknowledged the challenge they pose, especially in set pieces. He stated, “This is a hard place to come... we are going to try our best and try to win the game.”

Regarding player availability, Maresca mentioned that Nico O’Reilly would likely return after missing the last game, while he was uncertain about Jérémy Doku’s status due to injury.