“It’s just the beginning” – Maresca following Community Shield defeat to Arsenal | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca spoke with the media following his side’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield this afternoon.

The newly appointed Manchester City boss opened by reflecting on Arsenal’s opening goal, which came after just 25 seconds, stating, “We conceded first, but I think the reaction was good before they scored the second goal. We had three or four chances to score…but we missed the chances, and then they scored the second, and it becomes more difficult.”

On the manner of the defeat, Maresca said: “It’s just the beginning; we have many things that we need to do better…now we have to reset and analyse the game, then start thinking from Tuesday about the next game.”

The Argentine then spoke on the four players [Haaland, O’Reilly, Anderson and Guéhi] who featured and have only just returned from the World Cup, “the plan was always to change them after 45 minutes to an hour, maximum; it was a decision which we made before the game if they were going to start or play the second half.”

He finished off by speaking about Jack Grealish, who made his first Manchester City appearance in over a year this afternoon. “Jack came on when we were 2-0 down; the game was already complicated, but overall I think he was good and he still wants to work and get minutes.” Regarding the winger’s future at the club, he said: “At the moment the transfer window is open, and we will see what happens.”

Manchester City’s next game comes a week from today, when they host Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.