Given the gruelling nature of the schedule and with more huge games on the horizon, the City boss opted to leave Haaland on the bench along with a number of other key performers.
Phil Foden led the way with a brilliant hat-trick with Elliot Anderson also on target with what was his maiden City goal along with Rayan Cherki.
And for a delighted Maresca, the fact City were still able to register five goals in such impressive fashion with Haland an onlooker only augured well looking to the rest of the season.
“It was important,” the boss said reflecting on what was a fine night’s work from his side.
“Erling had a rest, Iliman rest, Jérémy rest, Marc Guéhi rest, Ayyoub rest.
“So we had five or six players on the bench – they were ready to go inside but at the same time they rest so it was good.
“And if you want to compete everyone has to be ready.”
Play the video to watch Enzo’s interview in full.
