Erling Haaland has called for patience with Enzo Maresca as Manchester City continue adapting to their new manager’s philosophy following a convincing 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The result secured maximum points from City’s opening two Premier League matches and provided further encouragement after a challenging start to the campaign.
City had suffered defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield before responding with back-to-back league victories. Rayan Cherki and Haaland both scored twice at Selhurst Park, with Haaland stressing after the match that the revamped squad still needs time to develop an understanding under Maresca.
“We have to keep on playing together and find out where we are best and how to play,” Haaland said.
“We have so many good players and we have to fit everyone in. We have to keep going.”
The striker's comments highlighted the adjustment period City are currently going through, as Maresca works to implement his tactical ideas while bringing together players who joined the squad at different points of their respective seasons.
HAALAND SAYS CITY NEED TIME TO GEL
Haaland pointed to Cherki’s unusual pre-season schedule as an example of why City require patience. The French midfielder had featured at the World Cup only a few weeks before linking up with his new club.
“I think in the start of the season, it was barely pre-season for everyone. Rayan just five weeks ago was playing in the World Cup, so it's a step up and we take it game by game,” Haaland said.
The Norwegian striker also praised Elliot Anderson’s display and urged the team to focus on steadily improving their understanding instead of expecting everything to click immediately.
“It’s a right step in the right direction from everyone. Elliot was incredible. We have to build on this,” Haaland added.
He also emphasised that the squad fully backs Maresca’s methods.
“We know what to do and need to trust the system and trust Enzo in what he wants us to do.”
MARESCA'S CITY START TO FIND THEIR RHYTHM
Manchester City were initially tested by a lively Crystal Palace side, but Haaland opened the scoring with a 17th-minute header. Palace levelled through an unfortunate own goal from Gianluigi Donnarumma before Cherki scored twice within five minutes to put City firmly in control.
Haaland added his second in the 85th minute, maintaining his impressive start to the season and giving Maresca another indication of the attacking options available to him.
Maresca acknowledged that City had struggled during the opening stages but was pleased with the way his side eventually took control.
“After 10 minutes we controlled the game on the ball and off the ball and deserved to win,” he said.
City’s next fixture is against Coventry City at the Etihad on September 5. They will then travel to Old Trafford for the season’s first Manchester derby against Manchester United on September 13. Their schedule also includes a Carabao Cup clash with Norwich City before the beginning of their Champions League campaign.
