Maresca heaps reward on Manchester Metropolis gamers after first win

Manchester Metropolis supervisor Enzo Maresca praised his gamers’ effort after they secured a 3-1 pre-season victory over the Ok-League All Stars in sweltering situations in Seoul.

The Italian oversaw his first win since succeeding Pep Guardiola, with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Divin Mubama all discovering the online earlier than half-time as Metropolis eased to the win on their Asia tour.

Temperatures reached round 36 levels Celsius at kick-off, however Maresca was happy with the way in which his aspect coped with the acute warmth.

“For us the result’s at all times essential, even when it’s a pleasant recreation, however crucial factor is to see the trouble of the gamers, particularly on this climate,” he mentioned.

“Additionally, in comparison with the final recreation, in some elements we did some issues higher.

“The great factor is the gamers tried to adapt. They made an effort for 95 minutes.

“Since day one, the gamers are placing within the effort and I can see that they belief the job we’re doing and, for me, that is the principle factor.”

Maresca anticipating key gamers again subsequent week

The win adopted Metropolis’s opening pre-season draw with Inter Milan and got here with a number of senior gamers nonetheless absent following their involvement on the 2026 World Cup.

Maresca expects the squad to enhance additional as soon as these gamers return to coaching forward of the brand new marketing campaign.

“The rationale why is as a result of round eight or 9 gamers are nonetheless not right here with us,” he added.

“However the essential factor is when they’re right here they make an effort to do the issues we’ve got been making an attempt to do since day one.

“Additionally we want them to belief what we would like, that’s essential after which when the remainder of the gamers arrive there isn’t any doubt we will probably be even higher.”