Enzo Maresca Confident Man City Are Closing In on PSG Despite Champions League Setback

Enzo Maresca Sees Manchester City Nearing Paris Saint-Germain’s Level

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca remains optimistic despite his team's 4-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian coach believes his squad is closing the gap on Europe's top clubs after a spirited second-half display.

PSG's Early Dominance Puts City Under Pressure

The reigning European champions started strongly, carving through City's defense to build a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime. Two goals came within just two minutes, leaving the home side scrambling to recover.

Despite this, City fought back impressively after the break. Erling Haaland led the charge with two goals in the second half as City relentlessly attacked, firing off 27 shots over the full match. Still, the early deficit proved too great to overturn.

Maresca Believes the Team Is Close to Elite Status

Though the scoreline was disappointing, Maresca insists his team showed enough in the second half to be hopeful about their progress. He highlighted how conceding two quick goals disrupted the flow but praised the players’ effort afterward.

"I think we are there, my feeling is we are close," Maresca said. "It was a strange game because we conceded two goals in two minutes and that caused problems. Before the first goal, we didn’t concede anything. In the second half, we did enough to deserve more."

PSG Coach Luis Enrique Acknowledges His Team Was Lucky

Maresca also revealed that PSG manager Luis Enrique admitted his side was fortunate to come away with all three points, shaken by City's persistent attacks.

"Luis told me at the end they have been quite lucky," Maresca shared.

He noted PSG’s strong reputation, saying, "In the last two years, they have been the best team in Europe, winning almost every game in this competition during that time."

Looking Ahead: Domestic and European Challenges

Manchester City now turns its attention back to the Premier League, preparing to host newly promoted Ipswich Town this Saturday. Maresca expects his team to deliver a sharp performance to regain momentum before returning focus to European fixtures against Greek side AEK.

Meanwhile, PSG will continue their Ligue 1 campaign with a match against Strasbourg, using it to prepare for a high-profile Champions League clash with Barcelona.

• Next Matches:
• Manchester City (Premier League): vs Ipswich Town, 17 October 2026, 17:00
• Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1): vs Strasbourg, 17 October 2026, 18:15