Enzo Maresca began his City reign with a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday, before Inter won 3-1 on penalties.
Divin Mubama gave City the lead in the 14th minute, finishing from close range after Antoine Semenyo’s cross from the byline. Benjamin Pavard equalised for Inter six minutes later, and the scoreline held through to full time.
Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola in June after his ten-year spell at the club, said he took plenty from the performance despite the shootout loss. “I’m very happy with the performance,” he told reporters. “Many positive things, including minutes for the legs, that’s very important.”
He added that City would need time to find their rhythm early in pre-season. “Like always, there are things we can do better, but slowly, slowly, we’re going to improve.”
Maresca pointed to Inter’s head start in training as a factor in the first half, before City grew into the game after the break. He also praised teenager Ryan McAidoo, who impressed after coming on:
“He’s that kind of winger that I love. Very aggressive, always one-v-one, always tries to make the right decision.”
Erling Haaland and Rodri, among others, were both absent and will miss the remaining two games of City’s Asia tour, against a K League All-Star side and Atletico Madrid. City’s pre-season continues before the Community Shield against Arsenal on 16 August, ahead of the Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth.
