Maresca F!res Warning After Man City’s 4-2 Defeat To PSG, Insists Champions League Dream Is Alive

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has insisted that his team can still challenge for the UEFA Champions League title despite suffering a 4-2 defeat to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium.

According to Bush Radio Academy, City endured a difficult opening period, conceding three goals before half-time in the European encounter. However, Erling Haaland scored twice to give the hosts hope and surpass Sergio Agüero as Manchester City’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League.

Despite the defeat, Maresca expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete for European football’s biggest club prize. He acknowledged the defensive problems that affected his side during the first half but said the experience would provide valuable lessons as the campaign progresses.

“We are there, we are close,” Maresca said after the match, praising PSG’s aggressive pressing and dynamic style of play under manager Luis Enrique.

He also revealed that Luis Enrique had suggested PSG were fortunate at certain points during the 90 minutes, although Maresca accepted the result and said his team would move forward.

The City manager admitted that his players lost their defensive balance and struggled to maintain appropriate distances between themselves after conceding early goals. He apologised to the home supporters for the first-half performance and emphasised the need for greater composure when facing elite European opposition.

Maresca urged his players to remain committed to their approach even when under pressure, explaining that losing their shape after falling behind made it increasingly difficult to compete against a team of PSG’s quality.

“We can learn many things from the game,” he said, stressing that his players needed to continue making the right decisions even when conceding goals against strong opponents.

Haaland’s two goals provided one of the few bright spots for Manchester City on a disappointing night. By moving ahead of Agüero’s Champions League scoring tally for the club, the Norwegian striker added another milestone to his record at the Etihad Stadium.

The fixture also attracted attention because it was Manchester City’s first home match since the club was found guilty of breaching financial rules. Former manager Pep Guardiola watched from the directors’ box alongside club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak as City prepared for an appeal related to the case.

Although the result represented a setback in their pursuit of European glory, Maresca remained optimistic about his side’s prospects, insisting that the team could recover from the defeat and continue challenging for the Champions League title.