Rabat – Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has urged patience with Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi, stressing that the young midfielder needs time to develop and adapt to the Premier League without facing excessive pressure.
Speaking at a press conference after Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday, Maresca praised Bouaddi’s abilities and stressed the importance of carefully managing his playing time.
“I think every manager is always looking to find minutes and space for good players. Ayyoub is a very good player, but he is still very young and has come from France,” Maresca said.
The Italian coach insisted the midfielder shouldn’t be expected to feature in every match as he continues to adjust to his new environment.
“We also need to help him and not put him under pressure in every game, then the next game, and so on. He needs some time to develop and adapt. I think he is doing well,” he added.
Bouaddi makes first Premier League start
Maresca’s comments came after Bouaddi made his first appearance in Manchester City’s starting lineup in the Premier League, having previously featured three times as a substitute.
The Moroccan midfielder, who joined City from French club Lille during the summer transfer window, had previously made three league appearances as a substitute.
Bouaddi delivered a solid performance against Ipswich, recording 92 touches, winning seven ground duels and completing seven line-breaking passes, according to Manchester City’s official statistics.
The 19-year-old also expressed satisfaction with his first league start, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new competition.
“Of course, I was really happy to start. It’s football; I really like to play the game. I want to play every game. But I know it’s part of the process,” Bouaddi told the club’s official website.
Manchester City maintain perfect start
Saturday’s win extended Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season, with seven wins from their opening seven matches.
Phil Foden opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Daizen Maeda equalized for Ipswich two minutes later.
Erling Haaland restored City’s advantage in the 34th minute and added his second goal in the 69th, while a late penalty from Zian Flemming reduced the deficit for the visitors.
The result also marked a historic achievement for Maresca, who became the first manager in Premier League history to win his opening seven matches in charge of a club.
Read also: Ayoub Bouaddi After Manchester City Win: ‘I Love Football and Want to Play Every Game’
