Maresca pleased with Man City’s progress after Atletico victory

WEB DESK: Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said he was encouraged by his side’s progress during pre-season after they ended their Asia tour with a 3-1 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

City fell behind despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, with Jorge Dominguez putting Atletico ahead shortly before halftime at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The Premier League side responded strongly after the break, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice in three minutes to turn the game around.

Antoine Semenyo played a key role in both goals, racing down the left before providing low crosses for Marmoush to convert in the 57th and 59th minutes.

Rayan Ait-Nouri completed the scoring in stoppage time as City secured their second win of the Asia tour in front of more than 50,000 fans.

“Overall, it was a very good test against one of the best teams in Europe,” Maresca said. “Credit to the players for the effort they have made. From tomorrow, pre-season is finished, and the real business starts.”

Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola, said he was satisfied with the progress made during his first three matches in charge.

City opened their tour with a draw against Inter Milan before losing the subsequent penalty shootout, then defeated a K League All-Stars side and Atletico.

The manager, however, said his team still needed to become more clinical in front of goal.

“We need to be clinical. It’s something we need to improve,” he said. “Slowly we are getting there, and with Erling (Haaland) we can be even more dangerous.”

Maresca also welcomed Marmoush’s two-goal contribution and Semenyo’s impressive form, with the winger finishing the Asia tour with four assists in three matches.

“Today Omar scored twice. This is a boost,” Maresca said.

City will now turn their attention to the Community Shield, where they face Arsenal on August 16.