City suffered our first defeat in eight matches as we were beaten at the Etihad Stadium by the current European champions.
The French side dealt two early blows, striking twice in two minutes just before the quarter-of-an-hour mark.
Maresca said it knocked the Blues out of our stride but his team kept battling with Erling Haaland scoring twice while we also hit the woodwork twice.
A triple substitution at half-time changed the momentum of the game and Maresca said his team battled well.
“We concede the first goal and then after one minute, concede the second one against this kind of team it’s already difficult when you are 0-0,” he said in his post-match news conference.
“In two minutes you concede two goals and we lost a bit of balance and distance between players.
“We struggled but then in the second half we made changes, adjusted something and we were much better.
“The message [at half-time] was the reason we lost balance was conceded two goals and were a bit like this.
“The message was exactly the same as before the game, against these kind of teams if you don’t go toe to toe you struggle.
“You have to be brave. Second half, on and off the ball we made some adjustments.”
Watch his postmatch news conference in the video player above…
Be at City v AEK Athens!
We welcome the Greek champions in a 20:00 (UK) kick-off on Tuesday 20 October for our third game in this year’s League Phase.
Known for their vociferous support and enjoying their first Champions League campaign since 2018/19, the striking yellow and black colours of AEK Athens make for a spectacle everywhere they go.
And every game counts if we’re to finish in the top eight and ensure safe progression through to the Round of 16.
So make sure you’re there to support the Blues, with adult prices starting from £35 and Under-18s just £20 each.
And why not make a special night of it?
We have a wide range of hospitality packages available, whether you’re looking for an exclusive bar, a dining experience or true once-in-a-lifetime magic, it’s all available at the Etihad Stadium.
In fact, hospitality starts from just £150 per person!
