Maresca stated that age would not be a barrier if the young players performed well enough.

Manchester City manager Maresca said at a press conference that if young players perform well in both performance and attitude, age will not prevent them from getting playing time.

Another match will take place in the third round of the 2026/27 English League Cup, with Manchester City hosting Championship side Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.

In the Manchester derby in the Premier League earlier this season, Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0 after Foden was shown a red card, thanks to Haaland's goal in the second half, and achieved a four-game winning streak.

Manchester City manager Maresca stated, "If young players are good enough, then age will not be a factor preventing them from entering the first team. If they perform well and have a good attitude, they will train with us. If the young players we bring return to the elite development team for training, we will also arrange for a member of our coaching staff to accompany them."

“They need to behave properly, and of course, they need to perform as expected in training and matches. We will pay attention to the way they play and their behavior. And when they return to the elite development team, they also need to be role models for other young players.”

Taking Foden, who played in Manchester City's youth academy, as an example, Maresca said, "They came from here's youth academy, so their feelings towards the club are different. If you ask Foden, Manchester City is his club. If you ask a player who didn't come from here's youth academy, he might support a different team, and their feelings are different."

"So when I see a great youth player, I'm happy to give him a chance because I know that deep down he has a special feeling for this club."

When discussing the young players who have garnered attention, Maresca said, "Regarding Ryan McAdoo, if you recall the few press conferences I attended when I first started coaching, I said back then that he was the kind of winger I really liked. He's fearless, always wants the ball, and is very aggressive in one-on-one situations."

“Sometimes we see a winger receive the ball and choose to pass it back, but Ryan McAdoo continues to attack after receiving the ball. He performed very well in the two games he played in the Premier League, without any wavering.”

Maresca also stated, "Floyd Samba is an attacking midfielder who can make runs into the box and has good finishing ability. Kaden Braithwaite is physically strong, and I think he can play as a center-back or a full-back. He still needs to learn, but he can handle both positions, which is why we use him this way."

Image source: Internet