Maresca reveals Guardiola stayed out of Man City dressing room after PSG loss

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has said Pep Guardiola did not address the players during his return to the Etihad Stadium, with the former manager choosing not to enter the dressing room after City’s 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Guardiola keeps his distance on Etihad return

Guardiola was back in the stands for the PSG match and later spoke with Maresca about the performance. Maresca said the pair discussed both halves of a game in which City were unable to recover after conceding twice in quick succession.

The City manager said Guardiola was pleased to be back at the stadium and took an encouraging view of elements of the display, despite the result. Maresca also described the Etihad as a home that will always belong to Guardiola, whose spell at the club brought multiple Premier League titles.

However, Guardiola did not become involved in matchday preparations or speak directly to the squad. Maresca confirmed that he stayed outside the dressing-room environment, preserving the current manager’s control of the team.

PSG setback examined

Maresca reviewed the loss early the following morning and felt City had created several promising moments before PSG’s opening goal. He pointed to a penalty appeal involving Rayan Cherki, a free-kick from Enzo and a corner that struck the crossbar.

City’s problems intensified immediately after the first concession, with PSG adding a second goal around a minute later. Maresca believed that sequence disrupted his side’s shape and composure.

• Manchester City lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium.
• Rayan Cherki was involved in a penalty appeal before PSG scored.
• An Enzo free-kick and a City corner that hit the crossbar came before the first PSG goal.
• Maresca said the side lost spacing and balance after conceding twice in rapid succession.
• He acknowledged the psychological challenge of facing a team he described as Europe’s leading side.

The manager accepted that players can lose their positional discipline when the momentum shifts sharply against elite opposition, particularly when a match changes from level terms to a two-goal deficit in such a short spell.

Foden available as selection decision approaches

Phil Foden is available again after a lengthy period out of the starting picture, but Maresca will assess whether to use him from the outset in the next match.

The England international’s absence has stretched from the international break and a red card against Manchester United. Maresca said Foden has trained well since returning and has made a positive impression, while stressing that City’s busy run of fixtures means his workload must be managed carefully.

Maresca is confident Foden will make an important contribution, whether he starts immediately or is introduced more gradually.

Banana tradition welcomed by Maresca

Maresca also spoke warmly about City supporters’ long-running inflatable banana tradition after learning more about its background. He said it adds to the atmosphere around the Etihad and hopes to see plenty in the stands at the next game.

The manager revealed that his four children have already asked for their own inflatable bananas and are expected to attend the match, giving the occasion an extra family connection as City look to respond to the PSG defeat.