Maresca Calls on Manchester City Fans to Revive Inflatable Bananas Against Ipswich
Enzo Maresca wants Manchester City supporters to bring inflatable bananas back to the Etihad Stadium for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Ipswich Town, saying the revived fan symbol can add to a newly united atmosphere around the club.
The 46-year-old said his four children had even asked about the bananas after the old terrace tradition re-emerged in response to the independent commission’s financial ruling.
Bananas return as City face Ipswich
- Manchester City were found to have breached Premier League rules on more than 100 occasions, while the club continue to deny wrongdoing and have launched an appeal.
- Supporters have answered the verdict by reviving inflatable bananas, a familiar sight among City fans during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Maresca said he had not known the background to the tradition but hoped to see the stadium full of bananas against Ipswich, believing it would create a positive setting for everyone inside the ground.
- The City boss said the outside scrutiny had drawn the supporters, players and club closer together rather than causing division.
Maresca pointed to Ruben Dias’ view that City’s success is unpopular beyond the club, but said the response from within has been clear: City enjoy winning regardless of that noise.
He insisted the ongoing legal situation has not affected his work. Maresca said the matter is outside his control and that his attention remains on preparing the team to win its next match.
The Italian added that City had dealt with the situation well as a group, with the club, squad and supporters pulling in the same direction.
Record start will not distract Maresca
City have won each of Maresca’s first six Premier League games, matching the strongest opening run by a manager in the competition’s history.
But Maresca played down the personal landmark before Ipswich’s visit. He stressed that Saturday offers the same three points as a trip to Anfield, and said such records only carry real value if they contribute to a meaningful achievement at the end of the campaign.
