Enzo Maresca celebrated his inaugural triumph as Manchester City’s manager with a convincing 3-1 victory over the K‑League All Stars on the streets of Seoul. The match unfolded at a frantic pace, with all four goals finding the net within the first 23 minutes, a stark contrast to City’s recent disappointment in a penalty‑shootout defeat to Inter Milan on Saturday. Maresca’s side fielded a total of 22 players throughout the encounter, showcasing the depth of the squad and the willingness to experiment with personnel in a pre‑season setting. From the outset, Maresca made it clear that his approach would not be a mere replica of Pep Guardiola’s methods.
He emphasized that he is not a "copy‑and‑paste" coach, intent on forging his own identity while still building on the foundations laid by his predecessor. This philosophy was evident in the way City organised themselves tactically in Seoul. Right‑back Rico Lewis, for instance, often retreated into midfield when the team possessed the ball, effectively bolstering a midfield trio that featured Mateo Kovačić and the Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. This positional fluidity allowed City to maintain a three‑man defensive line comprising Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and the ever‑reliable Ruben Dias during periods of possession, creating numerical superiority in the middle of the park.
On the flanks, Rayan Ait‑Nouri and Antoine Semenyo were deployed as high‑and‑wide wingers, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Ait‑Nouri, operating from the left wing, opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a crisp finish that set the tone for the rest of the match. Shortly after, Semenyo contributed an inventive back‑heel pass that helped Reijnders double‑tap the ball into the net with a low, precise strike. The Dutchman’s performance was a masterclass in driving runs from deep positions and technical composure, qualities that made him a focal point of City’s attacking play.
Phil Foden enjoyed a free‑roaming role just behind striker Youssouf Moumbila (referred to as Muamba in the original report), allowing him to drift between the lines and link up play. Moumbila, who had already found the net in consecutive pre‑season fixtures, added a second goal for City, restoring the lead after the K‑League All Stars managed to equalise through Dae‑Won Kim. The Ghanaian international Semenyo, despite not scoring himself, was arguably the most influential player on the pitch. He terrorised the opposition defence with his pace and dribbling, provided the decisive assist for Reijnders, and played a pivotal role in the build‑up to Moumbila’s rebound finish after his own shot was parried.
The match also highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities. The All Stars’ equaliser came just three minutes after Ait‑Nouri’s opener – a quicker response than the three‑minute window Inter Milan needed to level against City a few days earlier.
This rapid concession after taking the lead is an area Maresca will undoubtedly scrutinise during training, especially given the importance of maintaining concentration after scoring. In the second half, City introduced Savinho for Semenyo, but the substitute could not replicate the dynamism of his predecessor.
The Tottenham‑linked winger had impressed during the latter part of the previous season after joining City in January, and Maresca’s belief is that he can reach even greater heights under his guidance. Off the field, speculation continues around the future of Reijnders. Reports surfaced that Nottingham Forest are interested in a £55 million transfer for the midfielder. However, his impactful display in South Korea, characterized by incisive runs and creative passing, will likely convince City’s hierarchy to retain the Dutch international, especially with the looming arrival of Elliot Anderson for a reported £116 million.
Anderson’s presence will increase competition in midfield, but performances like Reijnders’ provide a strong argument for keeping him in the squad. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had a relatively quiet night, with the only notable moment being a save from the near‑post after Kim’s equaliser. He will have the chance to sharpen his reflexes again this Sunday when City face Atlético Madrid in the next pre‑season fixture at the same venue.
Overall, Maresca’s debut in charge showcased a willingness to experiment with formations, player roles, and an aggressive attacking philosophy. The early goals, the fluid midfield trio, and the high‑tempo wing play all point to a tactical blueprint that could evolve throughout the season.
While there are areas to tighten – particularly defensive transitions after scoring – the positive signs are abundant. If City can build on this foundation, refine their defensive cohesion, and integrate new signings seamlessly, they will be well‑positioned to compete on all fronts under Maresca’s stewardship.