Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez has noted a clear shift in the team's structure since Enzo Maresca took over as head coach. Speaking after City's 3-1 victory over the K-League All Stars on Wednesday, Gonzalez explained how the Italian's approach differs from that of his predecessor, Pep Guardiola.
Gonzalez on Tactical Changes
Gonzalez told City's Matchday Live: "I think for the team, everyone can tell that the structure feels quite different. Last year, we played a few games like this, for example I remember in the Champions League we played with Jeremy [Doku] inside and we didn't normally play this way."
He added: "Personally, last year when I used to play, I was playing alone in the midfield and now I have someone who is next to me. I think it is clear that we try to arrive to the wingers. We have a lot of quality with the wingers so they can go 1v1, all the time."
Despite the changes, Gonzalez stressed that the core philosophy remains intact: "The main idea is the same in the end. We want to win the ball back as quick as possible, and have the ball. Then there are some things that change, but the main idea is the same."
Match Summary and Conditions
In the match, Rayan Ait-Nouri opened the scoring, but Kim Dae-Won equalised for the K-League All Stars. Goals from Tijjani Reijnders and Divin Mubama before half-time secured a comfortable lead for City. After the break, the game's momentum slowed due to the heat and numerous substitutions.
Gonzalez commented on the conditions: "It's been tough. It was so hot. I have never played in conditions like this before. I have played in Spain for a couple of years and this summer it was hot, but not like this, ever."
City remain in Seoul for the rest of the week, concluding their pre-season tour on Sunday with a match against Atletico Madrid. They will then face Arsenal in the Community Shield the following Sunday.
