Enzo Maresca celebrated his inaugural triumph as Manchester City’s head coach with a convincing 3-1 win over the K‑League All Stars on the streets of Seoul. The match unfolded at a breakneck pace, with all four goals finding the net within the first 23 minutes, a stark contrast to City’s recent penalty‑shootout disappointment against Inter Milan. In this early onslaught, Rayan Ait‑Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and young prospect Divin Mubama each got on the scoresheet, while the squad rotated a total of 22 players throughout the encounter.
Sky Sports took a deep dive into Maresca’s debut, noting that the Italian‑born manager has repeatedly stressed he is not a mere "copy‑and‑paste" disciple of Pep Guardiola. The Seoul fixture offered a vivid illustration of his willingness to experiment with formations and player roles. Right‑back Rico Lewis, for example, frequently slipped into midfield when City held possession, effectively bolstering the central partnership of Mateo Kovačić and Reijnders.
This fluid movement allowed the team to transition into a three‑man defensive block comprising Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and veteran centre‑back Ruben Dias whenever the ball was in their own half. The tactical reshuffle extended to the flanks, where Ait‑Nouri and Antoine Semenyo were deployed as high‑and‑wide wingers. Their advanced positioning paid immediate dividends: Ait‑Nouri opened the scoring in the ninth minute after cutting in from the left and unleashing a precise finish.
Semenyo, despite not finding the back of the net himself, delivered a clever back‑heel pass that set up Reijnders for the second City goal, a low‑driven strike that restored the lead after the K‑League All Stars had equalised. In the central attacking zone, Phil Foden was given a liberated role just behind striker Chukwubuike Muamba.
This free‑roaming No 10 position allowed Foden to link play, create space and support Muamba, who had already been on a scoring streak in the pre‑season. The Dutch midfielder Reijnders, meanwhile, impressed with his relentless drives from deep and his technical composure, qualities that helped City dominate possession and generate a plethora of chances. Off the pitch, rumors swirled that Nottingham Forest were eyeing a £55 million transfer for Reijnders.
The Dutchman’s display in South Korea, however, should give City’s hierarchy pause. His ability to combine physicality with vision made him a valuable asset, especially with the club preparing for a demanding season that will also feature the £116 million arrival of Elliot Anderson. Anderson, fresh from a World Cup stint with England, missed the Asian tour, meaning Reijnders will likely retain a pivotal role in the midfield rotation. Semenyo’s performance, though goalless, was arguably the most electrifying of the night.
The Ghanaian international terrorised the opposition defence with his pace, dribbling and intelligent movement. After assisting Reijnders, he continued to threaten the back line, culminating in a crucial involvement in Muamba’s rebound finish: Semenyo cut inside, struck a shot that was parried, and the rebound fell to Muamba, who calmly slotted home. He was substituted at halftime for Savinho, but the substitute could not replicate Semenyo’s impact, underscoring the former’s importance to Maresca’s plans.
The match also offered a lesson in defensive concentration. The K‑League All Stars managed to pull one back just three minutes after Ait‑Nouri’s opener—a quicker response than Inter Milan’s equaliser in the previous weekend’s fixture. This rapid concession highlighted a vulnerability that Maresca will need to address, especially given the similarity to a previous encounter where Dae‑Won Kim’s equaliser for the All Stars mirrored the way Benjamin Pavard scored for Inter after Federico Dimarco exploited space on City’s right flank.
In both cases, the ball was delivered down the right side, emphasizing the need for tighter right‑wing defensive organization. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had a relatively quiet evening, only needing to retrieve the ball after the All Stars’ equaliser slipped past his near post.
Nevertheless, the Italian keeper will have to be ready for a more demanding test when City face Atletico Madrid later this week at the same venue, a match that promises higher intensity and more shots on target. Overall, Maresca’s first outing showcased his willingness to deviate from the Guardiola blueprint, employing versatile player roles and an aggressive attacking philosophy. The early goals, the fluid midfield trio, and the high‑pressing wingers all combined to produce a dynamic display that should give City fans optimism ahead of the upcoming season.
As the pre‑season continues, the performances of Reijnders, Semenyo and the rest of the squad will be scrutinised closely, especially with transfer speculation looming and new signings set to join the roster. The Seoul victory not only provided a morale boost after a recent setback but also offered a glimpse into the tactical evolution that Maresca intends to bring to Manchester City’s storied legacy.