Enzo Maresca, the newly appointed head coach of Manchester City in the English Premier League (EPL), has set his sights on securing victories and assessing team improvements during their two-match tour in South Korea.
The Citizens are slated to face the K League All-Stars Team K League at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. (Korean time), followed by a clash against Spanish side Atletico Madrid at the same venue on August 9 at 8:00 p.m. (Korean time), as part of the 2026 Coupang Play Series. Maresca, who arrived on Tuesday, held a press conference to share his thoughts on the upcoming fixtures.
Taking the reins after the conclusion of Pep Guardiola’s illustrious tenure, Maresca views these Korean matches as crucial in shaping his strategy for the upcoming season.
Both games hold significant importance for them, Maresca emphasized. He noted that while winning is certainly a priority, the key focus is on observing the team’s improvement and skill development with each match.
It’s worth noting that Manchester City won’t be at full strength. The aftermath of the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup in North and Central America means some key players, including Erling Haaland and Rodri, won’t be participating.
Maresca, however, remains unfazed. It has a wealth of young, talented players in our squad. The promising youth players are particularly excited about tomorrow’s match against Team K League, he stated confidently.
Greeted by enthusiastic Korean fans upon arrival, Maresca expressed his gratitude: The warm welcome from Korean fans has been overwhelming. It hopes to see packed stadiums for both matches.
Addressing concerns about Korea’s hot weather, Maresca assured that the heat won’t be a major issue. The team is adept at adapting to various conditions, and it’ll continue to grow stronger with each game.