Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca has stated that Haaland will need rest this season, telling fans he will be facing a tough campaign in both the FA Cup and Champions League. Haaland has kicked off the season 100% fit and is on track to reach the record of three goals in his first three Premier League appearances to add another Golden Boot to his collection.
But City’s workload is set to increase dramatically shortly, as they start their Champions League campaign against Portugal’s Porto on Tuesday, before a second Manchester derby with United and a Carabao Cup clash. Haaland’s workload will be a key factor in keeping him at his best throughout the campaign, according to Maresca.
At present, he has featured in every minute except for the Community Shield, Maresca said. We need to take care of Erling, he’s having a long season and he’s going to have some games that he needs to recover from.” The City boss also confirmed that he has alternative options in the event Haaland has been given a break. Antoine Semenyo may be a traditional No. 9, and Phil Foden has been used as a false nine in the past.
The comments could have included the fact that Haaland will be rested during the busy fixture list, but Maresca was emphatic that it will be based on the opposition and tactical situation.
Haaland is key to City’s plans to attack and has not wasted any time in starting the new season brightly. His three league goals have kept City unbeaten on the road and they’re now 3-0 on the night to go.City have not lost a game from the first three and his three league goals keep them in a clean sweep.
