Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Maresca backs Haaland's claim on World Cup fatigue affecting City
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that players returning from World Cup duties struggled to regain peak form at the start of the 2023-24 season. The Italian boss echoed striker Erling Haaland's earlier observations about the physical and mental toll on squad members.
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Maresca conceded that it "was not easy" for City's World Cup contingent to shake off fatigue and find their rhythm in the opening weeks of the campaign. The manager's comments align with Haaland's previous statements about the challenges faced by players who competed in the winter tournament in Qatar and required shorter off-season breaks.
The issue of player fatigue following major international tournaments has become an increasingly pressing concern for Premier League clubs. Several City players featured prominently in World Cup squads, limiting their recovery time before the club's early-season fixtures commenced.
Maresca's acknowledgment suggests the club has taken a measured approach to managing player workload during the transition period. Rather than demanding immediate peak performance, the manager appears to have given his squad reasonable time to regain match fitness and sharpness.
The congested football calendar, particularly for nations with deep World Cup runs, continues to present a significant challenge for club managers seeking to maintain consistent performance levels throughout the season. Maresca's candid assessment reflects the reality facing top-flight clubs when balancing international commitments with domestic competition demands.