Maresca Plans Haaland Rest Ahead of Porto Clash 2026

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca plans to rest Erling Haaland as the striker's priorities shift after becoming a father. The prolific Norwegian has been in stellar form, netting three goals in City's opening three Premier League matches. Maresca's comments come ahead of City's Champions League opener against Porto on Tuesday.

Haaland's Evolution: From Prolific Scorer to Complete Player

Maresca believes Haaland has become a more complete player since the birth of his son in 2024. The manager highlighted how fatherhood has transformed the 26-year-old's motivation and outlook on life.

"He's a man now. He's a dad," Maresca said. "When he arrived here he was not a dad and now he's a dad and life completely changes because the priority becomes his son." The Italian added that Haaland's development off the pitch has complemented his on-field prowess, making him a more rounded individual and athlete.

Fatherhood's Impact on Performance

Haaland's scoring record remains exceptional, with three goals in three league games this season. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot in three of his four seasons at City. Yet Maresca notes that the striker's new responsibilities have added a layer of maturity to his game.

"He was already top as a player and as a boy but now you can see that he is complete now. He is a family man, he is still scoring goals so I'm very happy for him," Maresca stated.

Managing Haaland's Workload Ahead of Porto

Haaland has played every competitive minute for City this campaign, raising concerns about fatigue. Maresca acknowledged the physical toll on players who balance club and international commitments, especially after Haaland helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

"It's not easy for Erling or for any of the players that play for club and international teams. I think it is normal that you may see these players start to be tired," Maresca explained. "So, it's correct to give them some rest. It can be one game out or one training session out."

Strategic Rotation for Champions League

With the Porto clash looming, Maresca must decide whether to start or rest Haaland. The manager's comments suggest a proactive approach to player management, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term gains.

Key Takeaways

• Haaland's fatherhood has made him a more complete player, according to Maresca.
• City may rest Haaland during the busy schedule to prevent burnout.
• Porto match presents an opportunity to rotate the squad.
• Haaland's scoring form remains exceptional despite added responsibilities.

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