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Maresca praises Manchester City’s progress and backs Dias after Porto win
Rohan Mehta | September 9, 2026 9:12 PM CST

Enzo Maresca believes Manchester City are getting better with every match after opening their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Porto.

Erling Haaland struck twice at the Estadio do Dragao as City built on three straight Premier League victories with another success in Portugal.

Maresca said he was especially satisfied with the identity his team showed in a different setting, pointing to their aggression both in and out of possession.

“I said before the game to the players and also yesterday, it’s a different competition, different stadium, different environment,” Maresca said.

“But the most important thing is that we show who we are in this moment. We try to be again aggressive off the ball, on the ball, try to plan the game in the way we can win the game.

“And then in terms of where we are, or if it’s a quick process or not, I don’t know.

“For me, the most important thing is I can see game after game that the team is improving, and this is the most important thing.”

Maresca was also questioned about an incident involving his captain Ruben Dias and Porto manager Francesco Farioli at half-time, when Dias appeared unhappy with the Italian coach.

The City manager pointed to the conduct of the two benches during the match.

“You can ask what you want,” he said. “How many times have you seen me or my bench, or the guys that work with me, stand up on the bench? Zero. Ninety-five minutes.

“How many times have you seen their bench?”


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