Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was certainly put through all of the emotions possible on Sunday during his first Premier League game in charge of City, which eventually ended in a dramatic win.
Bournemouth went ahead in the first half but Marc Guehi made it 1-1 late on for City, then Josko Gvardiol won it in the 91st minute.
That led to wild celebrations as Maresca and his staff went crazy on the sidelines.
Here’s the latest Enzo Maresca reaction from the Etihad Stadium.
Enzo Maresca reaction
On what was key to the late comeback win: “To be honest, even in the first half we were good before the goal we concede we didn’t concede one shot and had three or four clear chances to score. But then they scored the goal and it became a bit more difficult. But overall I think we deserved to win the game,” Maresca told Sky Sports.
On if there was more cutting edge in the second half in the final third: “Also I think second half they drop a little bit. Also because we kept the ball for most of the first half, so they run a lot. Second half they dropped a bit. It is a game that we don’t need to win in 90 minutes. It’s a game we probably deserve to win before.”
On starting Marc Guehi out of position in central midfield: “We are looking for solutions. I knew Marc since he was at Palace. I really like him. I think that he can be a midfielder also. He can be a central defend stepping in or he can play as a midfielder like today. We tried this week the first few days a central defender stepping in, then the last two days as a midfielder and I think it was good.”
On comparing the dynamics in midfield from the Arsenal game last week to this game: “Again, we are looking for solutions. We need different solutions. Today was Marc in the middle. He showed he can be good there. He can give us more solutions in the future in case we need it. Again, we are going to try different things because it is a matter of being dynamic and try to surprise the opponent.”
On the positioning of his players, especially the ones up front: “We have four or five players that are still not fit 100 percent. The reason why is because they arrive late from the World Cup. Nico O’Reilly, Elliot, Erling and one or two more now I don’t remember, so we are just trying to find solutions. I think Antoine [Semenyo] was quite good. Erling, we can see that he is still not 100 percent but in any case he is still dangerous, so just try to do our best.”
On what is key when you’re trying to find solutions: “To win the game. That is the most difficult thing. We visualize things and we see if they work. But at the same time you need to win games so it is not easy. Today I think we have been also lucky.”
On an update on Phil Foden, who went straight down the tunnel when coming off: “He’s okay. He was one of the guys celebrating in the changing room, so maybe he needed the toilet!? I don’t know. I will ask!”
On his options and if they are light on the wings, with Savinho not being around: “One more week [of transfer window], we will see what happens before the transfer window finishes.”
On the No. 10 position and how he sees that, with O’Reilly starting there today and Cherki’s impact: “When he [Cherki] was on in the second half he did very well. He is a fantastic player. I love that kind of player like Rayan. He is going to be very, very good for us.”
On the reports of Man City reaching an agreement to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi: “Not yet. I will ask now, but nobody told me nothing.”
Josko Gvardiol reaction
On the win and overcoming challenges during the game: “Everyone is proud with the moment. Especially because it is the opening game of this season and we know how important it is. Especially with all of the changes we had in the previous weeks. I think we need to enjoy. We deserved it and I’m happy about the three points.”
On how important the win was after so many key players left this summer: “Every game is important, especially here in England in the Premier League, the two cups plus the Champions League. I would say the most important thing is we won today and in five days there is another game. Crystal Palace away. Which is going to be difficult as well. We need to recover well, prepare right and be ready for every game now.”
Marc Guehi reaction
On people being surprised he played in midfield: “So was I! It was the idea the manager had. We worked on it during the week. He is trying different things. Different solutions for the team. I’m glad today it paid off in the end... I had a lot of help. Obviously playing next to Elliot helps, playing in front of these guys [pointing at Gvardiol] helps. It helps having guys who are experienced in that position and talk me through the game.”
