Enzo Maresca insists his team will heed the lessons from Wednesday’s 4-2 Manchester City loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
In a dramatic contest at the Etihad Stadium, the Blues fell to their first defeat of the season against the back-to-back European champions. Maresca’s side found themselves 3-0 down at the break following first-half goals from Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha. However, City staged a spirited second-half display.
Erling Haaland struck twice to become Manchester City’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League—boasting 38 goals in just 41 appearances—while the Blues hit the woodwork three times. Ultimately, a fourth PSG goal from Maghnes Akliouche sealed the result for the French side.
Reflecting on the match, Maresca praised his players’ character while identifying key tactical areas for growth:
“From tonight’s game, we can learn many things,” the City boss reflected.
“Even if we concede two goals against the best team in Europe, we need to do the right things.
“I continue to learn from the players because I just arrived three months ago.
“We concede the first goal and then after one minute, concede the second one against this kind of team it’s already difficult when you are at 0-0.
“In two minutes you concede two goals and we lost a bit of balance, distance between players.
“We struggled but then in the second half we made changes, adjusted something and we were much better.
“I really like to play against PSG to be honest.
“They are brave, I know the way they want to press.
“On the ball they are dynamic. I like to play against them.
“We are there; my feeling is we are close. In the first half, we struggled because we conceded two goals and inside the pitch you think ‘Oh my god.’
“Luis [Enrique] at the end told me they had been quite lucky.
“We lost, [but] we can learn from that and move on.”
Quick Turnaround Offers Chance to Rebound
Maresca believes the fast-approaching Premier League schedule provides the ideal opportunity for Manchester City to bounce back as they look to maintain their 100% league record and protect their three-point lead at the top of the table.
Ahead of Saturday’s match against Ipswich Town, who arrive boasting momentum from a weekend win over Fulham, Maresca praised the Etihad supporters and called for their continued energy:
“It’s a chance for us [to bounce back],” he told City TV. “Its’ going to be a tough game because they have all week to recover their energy and prepare the game.
“We need to manage some players but again we need to continue our run and try to win on Saturday.”
On the fans, he said: “They supported the team for 95 minutes.
“Even in the first half probably they could see the team was there with the spirit. And we need them again on Saturday.”
Next Match Analysis: Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
Premier League leaders Manchester City host Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026 (Match week 7).
Fixture Overview & Odds
| Category | Stats & Details |
| Fixture | Manchester City vs Ipswich Town 🏴 |
| Date & Kickoff | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Venue | Etihad Stadium, Manchester |
| Competition | Premier League (Matchweek 7) |
| Man City Win Probability | 77.7% |
| Draw Probability | 13.4% |
| Ipswich Win Probability | 8.9% |
Tactical Preview
- Manchester City: Entering the game as strong favorites with a 77.7% win probability, City lead the Premier League table with a perfect 100% winning start. Expected player rotation will be key as Maresca balances squad fitness following midweek European action.
- Ipswich Town: Holding an 8.9% win probability, Ipswich visit the Etihad following a 2-1 victory over Fulham. The Tractor Boys enter with fresh legs having enjoyed a full week of recovery and preparation compared to City’s 72-hour turnaround.