Manchester City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, has urged supporters to bring inflatable bananas to the Etihad Stadium as the club prepares to face Ipswich Town on Saturday. The call comes amid a backdrop of mounting scrutiny after an independent commission found the club had committed more than a hundred breaches of Premier League regulations in a recent financial investigation. City have denied the allegations and lodged an appeal, but the controversy has cast a shadow over the club’s on‑field performances.
Maresca, who took charge of City following the verdict, highlighted the unity he has seen both on the pitch and in the stands. “It’s very nice,” he said, recalling the 1980s and 1990s tradition of fans carrying bananas to lift spirits during difficult periods. “I didn’t know the history behind the banana, but I hope tomorrow I can see many bananas in the stadium. I think it creates a nice environment for the fans and for everyone that is in the stadium.” He added that the gesture would reinforce the message that the club wants to win, despite external criticism. Maresca also noted that his own children have requested bananas for the match, underscoring the family‑friendly atmosphere he hopes to foster.
On the pitch, City have been buoyant since Maresca’s arrival. The team won 3‑0 at Liverpool in their first match after the verdict and have gone unbeaten in six Premier League games, matching the best start to a managerial reign in the competition’s history set by former coaches Pep Guardiola, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Carlo Ancelotti. The side also secured a victory at Anfield and followed it with a spirited 4‑2 loss to Paris Saint‑Germain, demonstrating resilience in high‑pressure matches.
Maresca stressed that the off‑field drama has not distracted him. “I’ve said many times that I don’t feel any kind of stress about the outside situation, because it’s something that I don’t control. I just focus on how we can try to win the next game,” he said. He praised the players’ ability to cope with the situation, describing the club, fans and team as “together for sure.” Maresca also highlighted the importance of the upcoming game against Ipswich, noting that it is a three‑point contest that could keep the club on track for a strong finish to the season.
Looking ahead, City will aim to maintain their unbeaten run and secure another victory at the Etihad. The club’s focus remains on performance and unity, with Maresca encouraging supporters to bring bananas as a symbolic reminder of resilience and solidarity in the face of external challenges.