Maresca: Haaland always ready to pounce in 3–2 win at Leipzig
Maresca praised Haaland’s concentration after the striker’s far-post finish and urged the side to fix defensive lapses.
Manager Enzo Maresca praised Erling Haaland's concentration after Manchester City's 3–2 away victory over RB Leipzig in the fourth group-stage match of the Champions League.
Haaland scored with a classic goalscorer’s reaction at the far post following an excellent individual run by Elliot Anderson, a finish Maresca said underlined why a striker must always stay alert even when barely involved in the build-up.
“He can score at any moment” — Maresca
“I already said yesterday that it is extremely important that Erling is completely focused on the match. We know that he can help us and score at any moment. Tonight other players also scored, and we created many chances which, unfortunately, we did not convert. I am very happy that he scored. I am happy for him. It is always a wonderful feeling to win and to lead the team as captain. Can we play better? Absolutely yes, without any doubt. That is exactly why I am so confident and satisfied, because I see huge potential for improvement. For me that is quite natural, because we started working together only four months ago. Things do not happen automatically. It takes time to gel. I am convinced we can improve many details, above all because both Leipzig goals were really naive and could have been avoided. From day one we create a lot of chances in every match, but we must stop conceding such easy goals. We have to understand our mistakes, analyse them and review them. Three years ago I spent a season here, but I am still adapting again. I need to get to know the players and they need to get to know me. We are only together for four months and that is exactly why I believe that after such a short period we can only progress. I am extremely pleased with the three points, because away matches in Germany in the Champions League are always very difficult,” Maresca said.
Despite praise for Haaland’s instinct, Maresca also stressed there is room for collective improvement — particularly defensively — as Manchester City seek to convert chances more consistently in the remainder of the group phase.
The win moves City forward in their Champions League campaign, but Maresca’s remarks emphasise that he sees the result as a step in a process rather than a finished product.
Photo: Manchester Siti\/Tviter
