Erling Haaland has called for patience and trust in Enzo Maresca’s new Manchester City project after the club began the Premier League season with consecutive victories.
Manchester City strengthened their early-season momentum with a convincing 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice as City secured maximum points from their opening two league matches.
The result offered encouragement after City had lost to Arsenal in the Community Shield, but Haaland believes the team still needs time to fully understand Maresca’s methods and find the best way to use a revamped squad.
“We have to keep on playing together and find out where we are best and how to play,” Haaland said after the victory.
“We have so many good players and we have to fit everyone in. We have to keep going.”
The comments underline the adjustment taking place at Manchester City as Maresca works to establish his tactical approach while integrating players who have arrived from different stages of their seasons.
HAALAND ASKS CITY TO TRUST MARESCA'S SYSTEM
Haaland believes City’s early results should be viewed alongside the amount of adaptation still required within the squad.
The Norwegian pointed to Cherki’s unusual preparation for the new campaign as an example. The French attacker had been involved at the World Cup only weeks before joining up with City, leaving limited time for a traditional pre-season.
“I think in the start of the season, it was barely pre-season for everyone. Rayan just five weeks ago was playing in the World Cup, so it's a step up and we take it game by game,” Haaland said.
The striker also praised Elliot Anderson’s performance against Crystal Palace and stressed that City must continue developing their understanding on the pitch.
“It’s a right step in the right direction from everyone. Elliot was incredible. We have to build on this,” he added.
Haaland also made it clear that Manchester City’s players remain committed to Maresca’s ideas.
“We know what to do and need to trust the system and trust Enzo in what he wants us to do.”
MANCHESTER CITY TURN PALACE MATCH AROUND
Manchester City had to work for their victory after Crystal Palace started the match strongly.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a header, giving City an early advantage.
Palace then found a way back into the contest when Gianluigi Donnarumma scored an unfortunate own goal, bringing the hosts level.
City responded strongly, with Rayan Cherki scoring twice within five minutes to put the visitors firmly in control.
Haaland completed the scoring in the 85th minute, adding another goal to his impressive start to the Premier League campaign.
The 4-1 victory gave City their second consecutive league win and provided Maresca with further evidence that his attacking options can make a significant impact.
Maresca acknowledged that City faced difficulties during the opening stages but was satisfied with the way his team eventually established control.
“After 10 minutes we controlled the game on the ball and off the ball and deserved to win,” he said.
CITY'S NEW-LOOK SQUAD STILL NEEDS TIME
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Haaland’s comments suggest Manchester City are still in the process of finding their ideal balance.
Maresca has inherited a squad containing established stars alongside new arrivals, meaning the team needs time to develop an understanding of roles, positioning and tactical responsibilities.
For Haaland, the priority is not to rush that process.
Instead, City need to continue playing together, understand which combinations work best and gradually develop greater consistency.
The early results have provided a strong foundation. City have collected maximum points from their first two Premier League matches, while Haaland has already made a major contribution to the attack.
Cherki’s two goals against Palace were another positive sign for Maresca, particularly as the new arrival continues adapting to English football and his teammates.
The performances also suggest that City have multiple attacking options capable of deciding matches.
TOUGH TESTS AHEAD FOR MARESCA'S CITY
The opening victories have given Manchester City momentum, but the upcoming schedule will provide a much stronger indication of how quickly Maresca’s team is developing.
City will face Coventry City at the Etihad on September 5 before travelling to Old Trafford for the first Manchester derby of the season against Manchester United on September 13.
The team will then have a Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich City as well as the beginning of its Champions League campaign.
Those matches will test whether City can maintain their early momentum against opponents capable of placing greater tactical and physical demands on the squad.
For now, Haaland’s message is straightforward: Manchester City have started positively, but the project is still developing.
The 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace has given Maresca breathing room and confidence, while Haaland’s support reinforces the importance of allowing the manager and his players time to build a system that works.
City may have started strongly, but according to their star striker, the best version of Maresca’s team is still taking shape.
