Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has disclosed that fatherhood has helped Erling Haaland mature into a complete person on and off the pitch. Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League opener against FC Porto, Maresca noted that Haaland’s life completely changed after the birth of his son in late 2024.
Maresca explained that when the Norwegian striker first arrived at the club, he was not a dad, but his main priority has now shifted toward his family. Despite his new responsibilities as a family man, Haaland has maintained his prolific scoring form, netting three goals in his opening three Premier League matches of the 2026–27 season.
Maresca also highlighted the mental and physical fatigue building up from a heavy schedule of club and international fixtures, hinting that the busy dad may soon be given a game off to rest. “Now life has changed, the priority has completely changed because he is a dad. “I am happy for him- he was already top as a player and top as a boy.
Maresca knows the Norwegian well having worked closely with him when he was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff during the Treble season in 2022/23.