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Enzo Maresca has already found the solution to a Man City problem

Manchester City suffered their first defeat since the Community Shield on Wednesday night against PSG - but it's not all doom and gloom

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 4:00 AM
Enzo Maresca has already found the solution to a Man City problem
Key Things to Know
  • Jack Flintham argues Ayyoub Bouaddi provides Enzo Maresca with the tactical solution to Manchester City's midfield struggles.
  • PSG took control after first-half goals from Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Vitinha exposed City's midfield.
  • Bouaddi replaced Rayan Cherki at halftime, completing 37 of 40 passes and assisting Erling Haaland.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Manchester Evening News writer Jack Flintham argues that Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca discovered a solution to his midfield issues by introducing Ayyoub Bouaddi against Paris Saint-Germain. City suffered after PSG goals from Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Vitinha exposed a struggling midfield partnership of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez. Maresca adjusted his tactics at halftime, introducing Bouaddi for Rayan Cherki to re-establish control.

Flintham notes that Bouaddi's inclusion brought defensive balance against PSG's congested midfield. The 19-year-old completed 37 of 40 passes, registered 10 line-breaking passes, and provided an assist for Erling Haaland's second goal of the match. The writer contends that playing Bouaddi alongside Fernandez and Anderson gives City vital defensive protection during major matches.

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