Manchester City's pre-season tour under new manager Enzo Maresca has been marked by extreme heat, intense training, and team bonding, as the club prepares for the upcoming season. The tour, which included stops in Seoul and Hong Kong, provided a glimpse into Maresca's hands-on approach and his efforts to foster a welcoming environment.
Scorching Conditions in Seoul
Upon arriving in Seoul on Tuesday, players and staff faced temperatures that felt like 45 degrees Celsius at 8pm during the match against the K-League All Stars. One player described the conditions as 'unbearable'. The heat was so oppressive that even standing still in the shade left one drenched in sweat.
Despite the challenging weather, the team found ways to engage with local culture. Ruben Dias visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, while fans queued for over three hours to enter a pop-up store hosted by City and Puma in Seongsu. The store featured a drinks collaboration with Manchester bar Schofields, a nail bar, and portraits of players in traditional Korean attire.
Maresca's Hands-On Approach
Maresca has been extremely hands-on during training, running drills alongside his squad to ensure they grasp his concepts. His energy and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed, with former City goalkeeper Scott Carson recalling the importance of pre-season bonding. "It is nice to get out of the hotel room and just have a walk sometimes to clear your mind because they are long trips," Carson said.
Carson highlighted the bonding during the Treble-winning season's pre-season in America, noting that it brought everyone together. "I think it was in Houston, and Erling (Haaland) had just come in so there was a big boost," he added.
A Welcoming Environment
Unlike his predecessor Pep Guardiola, who kept the first-team environment closed off, Maresca has been warmly introducing himself to staff and including them in initiation songs. He even gave journalists an hour of his time in Seoul, more than Guardiola did in ten years.
Maresca's personality shines through, as seen when he chuckled on the touchline as Abdukodir Khusanov missed a penalty in Hong Kong. His approach has already made players feel comfortable, with Phil Foden noting the change in his role. "All my team-mates have left me! That is what's different," Foden joked. "I'm one of the most experienced in the team and, playing in a lot of important games, won a lot of trophies, so a lot of things have changed."
Hong Kong Highlights
In Hong Kong, the weather was cooler but rainy, leading players to explore shopping malls under their hotel. Foden signed items for hundreds of fans, and the club launched a kit on a floating pitch in Victoria Harbour. The Puma store near Kai Tak Stadium saw four-hour queues, with fans eager to buy the kit with a bespoke font by local artist Off God:Tate.
The tour concluded with City flying home on Sunday night ahead of the Community Shield against Arsenal. The last fortnight has set the tone for the Maresca era, with the new manager's efforts to bond the squad and engage with fans already making an impact.
