Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca says “we need to protect Haaland” as Erling Haaland continues to lead the club’s attack at the start of the season.
The 26-year-old Norway striker has scored three goals in four matches so far, starting every one of those games. However, Maresca has indicated that Haaland will not necessarily be named in the starting line-up for every match as the campaign progresses.
Haaland’s latest goal proved decisive on Saturday, when he scored the only goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Coventry. The result came after the striker had again been selected from the beginning, extending his record of starting all four of the club’s matches this season.
Maresca’s comments underline the importance of managing Haaland’s involvement despite his early contribution in front of goal. The manager’s message is that the forward’s availability must be protected, meaning his place in the starting XI cannot be assumed for every fixture.
That approach could become relevant immediately, with Manchester City due to return to action on Tuesday. The English club will travel to face Porto in the opening round of the league phase of the Champions League.
Haaland has already supplied three of Manchester City’s goals during the opening four matches of the season. His latest strike against Coventry was enough to settle a game in which there was no further scoring, giving the club a 1-0 win.
The Norway international has therefore started the campaign with a goal in three of his four appearances. Each of those appearances has come from the first whistle, but Maresca’s assessment makes clear that this pattern is not expected to continue indefinitely.
With the trip to Porto next on the schedule, Manchester City face a quick turnaround from their domestic match against Coventry. Haaland’s role will consequently remain a central point of attention, particularly after his goal secured victory at the weekend.
Maresca’s position does not alter Haaland’s record so far: three goals across four matches, with all four appearances coming as a starter. It does, however, provide a clear indication that Manchester City will not rely on selecting him from the outset in every game.
The forward’s next opportunity to add to that total will come in Porto, where Manchester City will begin their Champions League league-phase campaign. For now, the club’s attacking plans continue to centre on Haaland, while Maresca also stresses the need to protect the 26-year-old during the season ahead.