Enzo Maresca has warned Manchester City there is still plenty to improve despite his side recovering from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in his first Premier League game as manager.
City appeared set for a disappointing start after Marcus Tavernier put Bournemouth ahead in the first half. Marc Guehi equalised in the 85th minute before Josko Gvardiol completed the comeback three minutes into added time.
Maresca said the victory had not changed his assessment of the team following last weekend’s 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield. He believes City remain some way from reaching their best level.
“I feel in the same position as after Arsenal,” Maresca said. “It’s normal you judge after results but I don’t see big changes. Unfortunately, this is a work in progress and I’m looking for solutions. For sure when you win games it helps.”
The City manager also pointed to the physical demands of the Premier League and the number of players who are still building their fitness. Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, Guehi and Nico O’Reilly were among those he identified as still in pre-season condition.
Maresca accepted that conceding goals will be inevitable but was pleased with the response after Bournemouth took the lead with their first shot.
“If you think of the Premier League – it won’t happen that you will concede nothing,” he said. “The goal we conceded was their first shot. They had two or three dangerous moments but it’s how you react.”
Last minute match winner 🤩 pic.twitter.com/2NrpeZbYHC
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2026
City had to rely on their late recovery despite creating opportunities earlier in the match. Maresca said the result should not have required such a dramatic finish.
“It is the perfect day,” he said after seeing supporters display a large tifo welcoming him back before kick-off. “I was very pleased to see the banner when the game started. We gave them [fans] the joy at the end. It was quite emotional.
“The spirit was fantastic. It’s a game we deserved to win [but] you don’t need to wait for the last five minutes. We missed chances, then they scored and it became more complicated.”
Guehi’s role was also notable. The defender, signed from Crystal Palace, was used in midfield by Maresca, who believes he can provide another option in that position.
“I know Marc from [Crystal] Palace and I always thought he could play as a midfielder because he is very good,” Maresca said. “So we tried it for a few days and I think he was quite good. He gives us a solution for the future.”
