City need other goalscorers to take burden off Haaland – Maresca

LEIPZIG - Enzo Maresca says his Manchester City side cannot rely solely on Erling Haaland to score their goals, reported PA Media/dpa.

Maresca was speaking to the media in Germany ahead of City’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

The prolific Haaland has scored 13 goals in all competitions this season but failed to find the net as City were beaten 1-0 by Brighton on Saturday.

The defeat saw City knocked off the top of the Premier League, and Maresca acknowledged that it was crucial for other players to start contributing to the team’s goal tally.

The City manager said: "It’s very important that in each game, we create chances.

"For sure, when you have Erling inside the pitch, it’s better because he’s going to score goals, or you know, he’s always there close.

"At the same time, we cannot rely on Erling for every game. We also need the rest to score goals.

"But, again, I think the last game against Brighton was the only game of the season where we didn’t score.

"But, for sure, if Erling is on the pitch we are happy.”

City were beaten by defending champions Paris Saint-Germain last month but have otherwise made a solid start to their Champions League campaign, with victories over Porto and AEK Athens.

Phil Foden was particularly impressive against the Greek side, scoring a hat-trick in an encouraging sign that the 2024 Player of the Year is returning to his best.

The midfielder was left out of England’s World Cup squad after two indifferent seasons with City. He also served a domestic suspension earlier in the current campaign.

Foden said: "Obviously I had the unfortunate red card against Man United, but I think the break did me good. I came back really fresh and sharp.

"I’ve been involved in a lot of goals lately, and I’ve been really happy with my own performance.

"Hopefully I can get back to that level. I think I’m starting to get back there now. Hopefully I keep growing and getting better.”

Asked about his England prospects, he said: "It is one of those things. Football is full of ups and downs, and it’s one of those things you can’t control.

"You just have to keep trying your best on the field and keep putting in performances. Hopefully, one day, the call-up might come back.”

Asked if he had heard from England manager Thomas Tuchel recently, he said: "I haven’t really spoken to him. There’s not much to say on that.”

Despite his recent improvement, Foden has remained on the bench for City’s last two Premier League games.

Maresca said: "We are in all competitions, and we have 20 senior players - all of them very good - so there’s competition between them.

"We have so many games and many players. It’s not a short run, it’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon.

"It’s very important, for sure, in this moment to win games, but it’s also very, very important to arrive in February, March, April, when things are going to be more exciting, having all of them available and fit.” - BERNAMA