Maresca welcomes the return of inflatable bananas at City

Enzo Maresca welcomed the return of inflatable bananas held aloft by City supporters at the press conference ahead of the clash between Manchester City and Ipswich Town. The coach hopes to see plenty of them in the stands at the Etihad. “I didn’t know the story of the banana, but I hope to see lots of them at the stadium tomorrow,” he admitted.

Maresca also discussed his conversation with Pep Guardiola after the 2-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, when the Catalan coach returned to the Etihad. “We talked about the first half and the second,” the Italian explained, adding that Guardiola had been positive about what he had seen. The return to the stadium was also good for the supporters, he said: “It was great for the fans to see him in the stadium too. This will always be his home.”

On the atmosphere at City following the decision concerning the entity’s financial breaches, Maresca said he had seen supporters, club and team grow closer. “Since all this noise began, I’ve seen the fans, the club and the team more united, without a doubt.” He urged his side to respond on the pitch and focus on beating Ipswich: “We have to try to make our own noise.”

The coach also addressed his players’ need for recovery. “I’m thinking of giving him some rest and days off,” he said, before noting that other players also needed to recharge after combining club commitments with international duty. “It’s not just Erling […] At some point we have to give them a rest.” After the European setback, City were seeking a seventh straight Premier League win against Ipswich to maintain their perfect run.