Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with Manchester City’s performance despite suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan in his first match in charge of the Premier League club.
City were held to a 1-1 draw before losing 3-1 on penalties in the Asahi Super Dry Trophy pre-season friendly played at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Matteo Lavelli converted the decisive spot-kick to hand the Italian champions victory after regulation time ended level.
Speaking after the match, Maresca said he was encouraged by his side’s display despite the result.
“I’m very happy with the performance,” the former Chelsea and Leicester City manager said.
“Many positive things, including minutes for the legs, that’s very important.
“Like always, there are things we can do better, but slowly, slowly, we’re going to improve.”
Manchester City opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Antoine Semenyo burst down the flank and delivered a cross for youngster Divin Mubama to finish from close range.
Semenyo continued to trouble the Inter defence and nearly doubled City’s lead with a dazzling solo run, only to be denied by goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
Inter responded within minutes after City failed to clear Jamal Iddrissou’s cross, allowing Benjamin Pavard to fire home the equaliser from near the penalty spot.
Both teams created opportunities after the break, but neither could find a winner before the match went to penalties.
City came closest when Vitor Reis struck the crossbar, while Ryan McAidoo hit the post late in the game.
Maresca said adjustments made during the interval improved City’s pressing in the second half.
“We were pressing in the wrong way, we conceded some switches of play because we were late in the pressing,” he said.
“At half-time we adjusted something, and I think, second half, in terms of pressing, we were much, much better.”
Maresca took over as Manchester City manager in June following the departure of Pep Guardiola, who ended a trophy-laden 10-year spell at the club.
Around 43,000 spectators attended the match in Hong Kong, although empty seats were visible in parts of the stadium.
Several of City’s senior players, including Erling Haaland and Spain captain Rodri, were absent from the tour. Maresca confirmed both players will also miss the remaining matches in Seoul against a K League All-Star team and Atletico Madrid.
Manchester City will face Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16 before opening their Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth a week later.
Inter Milan will conclude their pre-season preparations with matches against AC Milan and Juventus before beginning the defence of their Serie A title against Monza on August 22.