Maresca joins the inflatable banana craze at Manchester City

Enzo Maresca faced the press on Friday before Manchester City's meeting with Ipswich Town, with the return of an old fan tradition providing the backdrop. The Italian coach was delighted by the comeback of the inflatable bananas, a symbol that has reappeared in the stands recently and that he hopes to see throughout the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

• Maresca celebrated the return of the inflatable bananas as a historic symbol for Manchester City fans.
• The coach said the external noise around the financial charges case has brought the club even closer together.
• He admitted he is considering resting Erling Haaland and other internationals due to fixture congestion.
• Phil Foden is available again after serving his suspension.
• Manchester City host Ipswich chasing a seventh straight Premier League victory.

The return of the inflatable banana at the Etihad

The sight of inflatable bananas in the City stands is part of the club's collective memory, and their recent comeback has sparked a wave of nostalgia among supporters. Maresca admitted he was not familiar with the tradition, but he has quickly fallen for it. He expects the Etihad to be full of them for the game against Ipswich and even revealed that his four children have asked him for one.

I didn't know the story of the banana, but I hope to see many of them at the stadium tomorrow.

The Manchester City dressing room closes ranks

The Italian coach also spoke about the atmosphere surrounding the club following the ruling linked to the alleged financial breaches. Far from sensing any divisions, Maresca insisted the process has brought the fans, the squad and the board closer together. In his view, the best possible response is to perform on the pitch and create a noise of their own that silences any outside debate.

Maresca's rotation plan for Haaland

The heavy load of minutes in the Premier League and with national teams is taking its toll on several City players, and Maresca does not hide it. He was particularly clear about Erling Haaland, admitting he is considering giving him some rest and days off so he arrives fresh for the decisive stretch of the season. He added that Haaland is not the only case, as other footballers are playing non-stop for both club and country.

Foden returns and Guardiola's presence is felt

The return of Phil Foden is another piece of positive news for Manchester City. The English midfielder has already served his suspension and will be available to Maresca for the clash with Ipswich, a key fixture to keep pace at the top of the table.

The press conference also brought up Maresca's conversation with Pep Guardiola after the 2-4 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, which marked the Catalan coach's return to the Etihad. The Italian explained that they went over both halves of the match and that Guardiola was positive about what he had seen. He also stressed that it was a special moment for the fans to see him back at the stadium.

Seventh straight Premier League win in City's sights

After the European setback in Paris, Manchester City want to reassert their domestic dominance against Ipswich Town. The Citizens are on a run of six consecutive Premier League victories and are aiming for a seventh to keep their perfect streak alive and remain in the hunt near the top. With the Etihad as the stage and the fans embracing their old symbols, Maresca's side faces a fitting opportunity to extend their fine form.