Manchester City-PSG : Maresca aims "the perfect match", Paris finds Dembélé and Mendes

Manchester City receives Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at the Etihad Stadium, for the second day of the league phase of the Champions League. The kick-off was announced at 9 p.m. by RMC Sport. On the eve of this meeting, Enzo Maresca set a high demand for his players: to succeed "the perfect match" against a double opponent holding the title. The calendar published by the English club confirms this poster and its place. [S1] [S2] [S4] [S5]

A tribute to the PSG, without giving up winning

The reports of West France, Foot Mercato and RMC Sport converge on the message delivered on Tuesday at press conference: Maresca considers the PSG as the best team in Europe of the moment, relying on its last two continental sacres. This assessment is that of the City coach, not a verdict on the outcome of the game. Italien also claims that his team can beat Paris if it evolves to its best level. [S1] [S2] [S4]

This respect is accompanied by a reservation on the comparison between the two formations. Maresca does not claim to know whether City is near or far from PSG, while defending the quality of its group. The formulations reported differ slightly from media to media, but not the background: confidence in its players, recognition of the Paris force and refusal to measure precisely the gap before the confrontation. [S1] [S2] [S4]

Rúben Dias extends this speech, highlighting in particular the flexibility of the Parisian game. The defenceman and captain explains personally knowing several PSG players and insists on the level of performance necessary to beat them. His intervention complements that of Maresca: beyond the list, it is the ability of the Parisians to adapt to the different moments of the game that attracts his attention. [S1]

City arrives launched, but still under construction

Recent results give reason to hope for the Mancunians. West France reports that City won all its matches under Maresca with the exception of the Community Shield, lost 3-0 against Arsenal. The club's official website states that the team has just won 3-0 in Liverpool and that it started its European campaign with a 2-0 victory on FC Porto's field. [S1] [S5]

Maresca does not present this dynamic as a result. It still identifies progress in offensive animation as well as in defensive organization. According to RMC Sport, the international truce was used to examine the first seven meetings of his team. The requirement of the "perfect match" therefore comes as the coach himself recognizes several aspects to improve. [S1] [S4]

Paris finds two players, compositions remain open

On the Parisian side, the team confirms the return of Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes among the 23 players summoned by Luis Enrique. Both had been given extra rest after the international truce and had not participated in the victory against Le Mans on Saturday on the 3-1 score. Their presence in the group constitutes acquired information; their tenure remains only anticipated by the sports daily. [S3]

However, the MTP will not be fully complete. Senny Mayulu, victim of a tear in a thigh with the French Hopes, is absent. The team also reports the package of the guard Alessandro Longoni, replaced in the group by Adam Mouak. In Manchester, Rayan Cherki's use remains uncertain: after having joked about his absence, Maresca said not to know if he would play, while welcoming his qualities with and without balloon. [S3] [S4]

Keep the ground at the forefront

The press conference also addressed the case of alleged financial malfeasance against Manchester City. Maresca and Dias showed their calmness and their willingness to stay focused on football. The comments reported relate to their management of this context, without making it possible to conclude its effect on the meeting. For the coach, the priority remains what his team can master: his preparation and performance against the PSG. [S1] [S4]