Enzo Maresca says it was important for him to see his players work hard despite tough conditions in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over K-League All Stars.

Record temperatures were recorded in Seoul in the build-up to the game, with the thermometer sitting around 36 degrees Celsius at kick-off.

It mattered little for City, with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Divin Mubama scoring the first-half goals to record a comfortable victory.

It also marked Maresca’s first success in charge in just his second friendly, after a 1-1 draw with Inter to kickstart the tour last Saturday.

While he was happy with the result, Maresca chose to focus on the effort of his players in trying circumstances in his post-match press conference.

“For us the result is always important, even if it is a friendly game - but the most important thing is to see the effort of the players, especially in this weather,” began the boss.

“Also, compared to the last game in some aspects we did some things better.

“The good thing is the players tried to adapt [to the weather]. They made an effort for 95 minutes.

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“Since day one, the players are putting in the effort and I can see that they trust the job we are doing and, for me, this is the main thing.”

Those who reached at least the quarter-finals at this summer’s World Cup will join up with the squad next week back in Manchester, just days ahead of the Community Shield.

With many of our first team stars yet to start training, Maresca conceded it will take a while for his team to reach their best.

“The reason why is because around eight or nine players are still not here with us,” he said.

“But the important thing is when they are here they make the effort to do the things we have been trying to do since day one.

“Also we need them to trust what we want, that is important and then when the rest of the players arrive there is no doubt we will be even better.”

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After a draw with Inter and win over K-League All Stars, we’ll now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August at 12:00 (UK).

It will be available to watch on mancity.com and our official app for current CITY+ subscribers globally*.

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