Enzo Maresca had a tough task ahead of him on Sunday, guiding Manchester City’s reaction to their first game action and opposing crowd since their guilty verdict from an independent commission threatened their short-term and long-term future.
To say he guided City to a good response is an understatement.
MORE — Iraola reaction | Player ratings | What we learned
City broke through for three second-half goals in an emphatic response to a fierce and booing Anfield crowd, as Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki scored in a post-halftime blitz.
We’ll share all of Maresca’s thoughts and those of his players when they speak after the game.
Enzo Maresca, Man City player reaction to Liverpool match, reception at Anfield
Thoughts on the game? “Very difficult circumstances and environment. We really struggled in the first half. Halftime we changed some things. In the buildup we were not doing the right things for many reasons but second half we were much better.”
“We need to learn how to deal with the noise because the noise will be with us for all the away games. At the same we need to deal with that and make our noise, and our noise is to win games. Like today, the good feeling at the end of the game was just our fans and our noise, and not different noise.”
How was noise different than usual? “I’ve been here with City just once, in the treble seasons but it was nice to play this kind of game in the noise and environment.”
Can a siege mentality help Man City? “Probably yes, probably no. I don’t know the answer. It’s something that can create togetherness with the fans. I said during the week, bring the passion, bring the voice. In the end, we can celebrate the win.”
The goals were very good goals: “Outstanding. Jeremy is very good. We know how important he is but we have to be careful with him and his injury.”
The nearly 2-minute possession leading to the third goal? “Was a good one. With one more player it was a bit more easy to keep the ball but very happy with the three points.”
What’s the message moving forward? “I cannot control things outside of football, so why stress? I try to stress in terms of game plan, training sessions, but the rest is not in my hands.”
Elliot Anderson reaction to Liverpool match, reception at Anfield
Thoughts on the game: “Showed real togetherness and fight. We showed courage here and three points matter.”
Was this a tougher atmosphere than usual? “It was definitely more than normal, arriving in and the first 10 minutes of the game. Struggled a first half but second half were a lot better.”
Erling Haaland reaction to Liverpool match, reception at Anfield
Thoughts on what this performance can mean to City: “Every single part of Man City and every single fan, this is a lovely moment which will stay with us for a long time when it comes to the feeling after the game and in the game. It was tough and it was hard but we showed amazing character from Gigio all the way to the front.”
Was Anfield more intense than usual? “No, not really. It’s always tough to come here if you look at the record. It’s always been with the Pep and Klopp era it was tough for both teams. But again it’s about these times to stay strong mentally and do what you can do something about — play good football and fight together. That’s all you can do.”
