"Manchester City coach" reveals why "Haaland" has become a more impressive goal scorer ahead of the first UCL match tonight.
On 8 September 2026 GMT+7, Enzo Maresca, Manchester City coach, spoke about Erling Haaland, the star striker of the Norwegian national team, ahead of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League group stage first match against Portuguese league champions FC Porto, scheduled for tonight at 02:00.
Erling Haaland has started the new season excellently, scoring 3 goals in the first 3 Premier League matches, helping the team lead the table. He has also been recognized for his status and importance by being named one of Manchester City's vice-captains for this season.
Enzo Maresca discussed the differences in Erling Haaland compared to when he was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City during the treble-winning 2022-23 season, saying that Haaland is now more complete both on and off the field after becoming a father.
Haaland had his first son with Isabel Haugen Johansen in December 2024, which Maresca believes has increased the striker’s maturity, positively impacting his performance on the pitch.
The Manchester City coach said about Haaland today, "He is now fully grown up. He is a father. When he first joined us, he was not a father yet, but now his life has changed completely. His priorities have shifted entirely because he has become a dad."
"I am happy for him. He has always been an excellent player and a great person, but now you can see he is complete—both as a family man and still scoring goals consistently. I am truly happy for him."
