Jérémy and the rest – to try to do their best, if they start from the beginning or if they come in from the bench try to make an impact.” The tie might have gone either way, so the lottery of penalties felt apt to decide who went through before Saturday’s rematch back here in the league.
Reflecting on the challenge, Maresca noted that the opponents were in a brilliant moment of scoring many goals every game and winning, making it a tough test in terms of defending in the right way.
The team will now prepare for the weekend fixture, with the manager adding that players starting from the beginning or coming from the bench will try to make an impact.
The decision by Maresca to give his star quintet the night off initially appeared to backfire as the team struggled to find a breakthrough.
Manchester City secured a penalty shootout victory against Brighton after a tightly contested tie that could have gone either way.
Maresca was ultimately left beaming after the shootout success, admitting that the squad had never practised penalties since his arrival.
Not sleeping in your own bed is not an advantage, the manager remarked regarding the demanding schedule.
The lottery of penalties ultimately decided who advanced before Saturday's upcoming league rematch at the same venue.
We'll go there with full energy and ready to go on Saturday, Maresca concluded.