Maresca Admits Man City Are Still A ‘Work In Progress’ After Dramatic Comeback

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that his side remain a work in progress despite beginning their Premier League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, City appeared to be heading for defeat after Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead in the first half. However, Marc Guéhi equalised in the 84th minute before Joško Gvardiol scored in stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The victory marked Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge of Manchester City following his appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor. Despite securing all three points, the Italian manager acknowledged that his team still have significant room for improvement.

Maresca said the performance did not substantially change his assessment of the squad compared with their previous Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.

He explained that City are still adapting to his tactical approach and that he is continuing to search for solutions as the new season progresses.

The manager also highlighted the fitness levels of several players, noting that some key members of the squad were still in the process of regaining full match sharpness after recently returning to training.

Maresca also experimented tactically during the match by deploying Guéhi in midfield, a move he said could provide the team with another option going forward.

Despite the difficulties, the late comeback provided City with an important boost as they begin life under their new manager. Rayan Cherki played a key role in the turnaround, providing the deliveries that led to both late goals.

The result means City opened the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with three points, while Maresca will now look to improve the team’s overall performance as the season progresses.

Premier League Matchday 1 Results:

Arsenal 3-0 Coventry City
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
Ipswich Town 2-1 Sunderland
Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United
Brentford 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth
Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool

Pending Fixture: Fulham vs Chelsea — Monday, August 24, 8pm