City manager Enzo Maresca previews Champions League opener against FC Porto
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 9:55 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Manchester City travels to face FC Porto on Tuesday for the start of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed a 22-man squad for the trip, noting the evolving leadership role of forward Erling Haaland. Maresca credited Haaland’s growth as a person and a father for his status as a key member of the team’s new four-string leadership group. While the squad prepares for European competition, Nico O’Reilly and Jeremy Doku remain unavailable due to fitness concerns. Maresca provided an encouraging recovery update on both players, specifically targeting the upcoming Manchester derby for a potential return to the lineup. The match against FC Porto is scheduled to kick off at 20.00 UK time.
- •Manchester City plays FC Porto in the Champions League league phase on Tuesday.
- •Erling Haaland has been named to the team's four-string leadership group this season.
- •Nico O’Reilly and Jeremy Doku did not travel to Portugal due to fitness issues.
- •Maresca suggested Nico O’Reilly might be available for the upcoming Manchester derby.
- 9:55 PMThe Guardian Sport — Maresca eyes rest for busy dad Haaland as Manchester City prepare for Porto
- 7:45 PMYahoo Sports — Maresca: Now Haaland's the complete person - on and off the pitch
"Norwegian forward has played every minute of season Parenting duties have changed player’s ‘priorities’ Enzo Maresca believes Erling Haaland has become “complete” as his priorities have changed after the birth of the Manchester City No 9’s son two years ago. Haaland has again started the campaign in prolific form, scoring three goals in City’s opening three Premier League victories. In three of the 26-year-old’s four previous seasons at City he has won the Premier League golden boot. Maresca pointed to how the birth of his son in 2024 changed the Norwegian’s motivation. Continue reading...
"City boss Enzo Maresca says Erling Haaland is now the complete person - both on and off the field - in the wake of becoming a father. Men's Team City travelling squad for FC Porto game confirmed City ...
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportSep 7, 2026, 9:55 PMMaresca eyes rest for busy dad Haaland as Manchester City prepare for Porto
Norwegian forward has played every minute of season Parenting duties have changed player’s ‘priorities’ Enzo Maresca believes Erling Haaland has become “complete” as his priorities have changed after the birth of the Manchester City No 9’s son two years ago. Haaland has again started the campaign in prolific form, scoring three goals in City’s opening three Premier League victories. In three of the 26-year-old’s four previous seasons at City he has won the Premier League golden boot. Maresca pointed to how the birth of his son in 2024 changed the Norwegian’s motivation. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 7:45 PMMaresca: Now Haaland's the complete person - on and off the pitch
City boss Enzo Maresca says Erling Haaland is now the complete person - both on and off the field - in the wake of becoming a father. Men's Team City travelling squad for FC Porto game confirmed City ...
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