Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has called on his players to respond to their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain when they host Ipswich Town in the Premier League this weekend.
City suffered a 4-2 loss to the French champions in midweek, but Maresca is keen for his side to quickly put the disappointment behind them and maintain their strong domestic form.
The Premier League leaders sit three points clear at the top of the table and will be looking to extend their winning run when newly promoted Ipswich visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Maresca acknowledged that the match would present another difficult challenge, particularly because Ipswich have had a full week to recover and prepare.
Speaking to City TV, Maresca said: “It’s a chance for us [to bounce back]. It’s going to be a tough game because they have all week to recover their energy and prepare the game. We need to manage some players but again we need to continue our run and try to win on Saturday.”
The Italian also praised City’s supporters for standing by the team during the defeat to PSG and urged them to maintain that backing against Ipswich.
Maresca said the fans continued to encourage the players throughout the European encounter, despite the result.
He said: “They supported the team for 95 minutes. Even in the first half probably they could see the team was there with the spirit. And we need them again on Saturday.”
Ipswich head to Manchester after recording a significant victory over Fulham in their previous match, giving them confidence ahead of the trip to the Etihad.
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Maresca is aware of the challenge posed by Gary O’Neil’s side, who will be seeking to take advantage of their preparation time and test the Premier League leaders.
City, meanwhile, must contend with the physical demands of their midweek European fixture, making squad rotation and managing players’ energy important considerations.
With Ipswich enjoying more recovery time, Maresca will want his players to regain their intensity and avoid another setback as they look to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League.
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