Manchester City Coach Enzo Maresca has admitted his side are conceding too many goals after conceding for the third time in a row Premier League defeat, but insists there is no reason to panic.
City were punished for a poor first-half performance in a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, falling two goals behind before trying to bounce back after the break.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Maresca admitted that City had failed to match their opponents physically during a disappointing first half.
“It’s pretty clear: the first half we didn’t match the intensity or win duels or second balls,” he said.
“The first thing you need in these games is intensity. We tried to react with 2-0, but it’s too late. We scored one, we probably could have done more, but in transition we conceded one more.”
Asked why his players had struggled to compete in the early stages, the Italian admitted he wasn’t sure.
“I have to analyze it. Today’s game is probably the first in which we lacked intensity in the first 45 minutes,” he explained.
“Better second half. It’s never happened before, we have to understand why and try not to let it happen again.”
Man City boss insists ‘no panic’ despite losing streak
Despite City’s recent struggles, Maresca believes his side must maintain perspective after a seven-game winning streak was followed by three consecutive defeats.
The former Chelsea boss plans to use the international break to examine what has gone wrong and address issues plaguing his squad.
“(We need to) use the international break to understand why and try to avoid it in the future,” he said.
“Always worried (about the defeats), but we need the balance – seven wins in a row has not happened and three in a row. We need the balance.”
Maresca finished with a clear message about the mood within the City camp.
“Don’t panic. We need to understand, but don’t panic.”