Maresca brings music to Man City training sessions to lift energy and morale

Enzo Maresca has added a new soundtrack to Manchester City’s training ground, introducing music into sessions as he looks to inject energy into his squad ahead of a demanding week that includes trips to Porto and Old Trafford.

The City manager revealed the idea is not new to him, having used the same approach during his time at Leicester City and Chelsea. “It’s something that I had in Leicester and in Chelsea and I introduce here,” Maresca said. “I think the players are more happy with the music and can work better. The players decide. It’s just to create more environment for them.”

City head into the week in strong form, with three wins from their opening three games of the season. The club have invested more than £400 million in the transfer window and expectations remain high as Maresca works to move the club forward from the Pep Guardiola era.

Not everything is straightforward, however. Several players are still managing their fitness after a congested international schedule, with star striker Erling Haaland among those who have raised concerns about insufficient rest following the World Cup.

“It’s not easy for them. It’s not easy for Erling or for most of the players that continue to play for club and international team,” Maresca said. “I think it is correct in the moment that you see these kind of players that they start to be tired. It’s correct to give them some rest.”

The Norwegian’s availability will be closely monitored as City navigate a pivotal stretch of fixtures. Maresca acknowledged that managing workloads carefully is essential, noting that fatigued players carry a heightened injury risk. “It can be one game out or one week away. It depends on which moment we are in, but the priority is to allow the players to be good and happy,” he added.

The coming days will offer an early indication of how Maresca’s methods — music included — are translating into results at the highest level.