Seoul: Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca expressed his enthusiasm about facing Atletico Madrid and their recent acquisition, Lee Kang-in, in an upcoming preseason match in Seoul. The match, part of the Coupang Play Series, is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. This series has been drawing European football clubs to South Korea for preseason games since 2022. Last year, Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Man City.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this year's match holds special significance due to Lee Kang-in's presence in the Atletico lineup. Lee, a celebrated South Korean football figure, is set to make his debut for Atletico Madrid on home ground. Maresca praised Lee as a "fantastic" player during a prematch press conference at Mokdong Stadium in Seoul and expressed excitement about the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid and its new players.
Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in June, previously assisted Guardiola during the 2022-2023 season when Manchester City achieved a continental treble by winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup. With previous managerial roles at Leicester City and Chelsea, Maresca aims to continue the legacy of Guardiola, who amassed 20 trophies during his decade at Man City.
Maresca described leading Manchester City as a privilege, emphasizing the club's tradition of competing for and winning titles. Under his leadership, the team secured a 3-1 victory over Team K League in an earlier Coupang Play Series match in Seoul, demonstrating their readiness for the upcoming season.
The players have been receptive to Maresca's management style, embracing new structures and patterns. Defender Rico Lewis, who debuted for Man City in the 2022-2023 season, commended Maresca's direct and honest communication. Lewis highlighted the importance of having a clear understanding of the manager's expectations and praised Maresca for providing a straightforward and coherent approach.