Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca wants to see the Etihad Stadium filled with inflatable bananas when his team host Ipswich Town this weekend. The unusual show of support has become a symbol of unity among City fans as the club faces renewed scrutiny over its financial case.
For Maresca, the inflatable bananas represent more than a colourful matchday tradition. He believes the gesture can create a positive atmosphere and bring the club, players, and supporters closer together during a challenging period.
The tradition dates back to the 1980s and 1990s, when Manchester City fans brought inflatable bananas to matches to add humour and colour to the stands. Supporters have recently revived the custom, including during City’s away trip to Liverpool at Anfield.
Maresca has welcomed the return of the tradition and hopes even more fans will join in at the Etihad Stadium.
Enzo Maresca Wants the Etihad Filled With Inflatable Bananas
Maresca admitted that he was unfamiliar with the full history behind the inflatable bananas. However, he likes the atmosphere they create and wants supporters to continue the tradition.
Speaking to ESPN on Friday, October 16, 2026, the City manager said he hoped to see plenty of bananas in the stands for the Ipswich match.
“It’s great fun. I don’t know the history behind the bananas, but I hope to see lots of them in the stadium tomorrow,” Maresca said.
He added that the gesture could create an enjoyable experience for supporters and everyone attending the match.
The inflatable bananas have become a light-hearted way for City fans to express their loyalty. Rather than allowing the club’s off-field problems to dominate the atmosphere, supporters can use the tradition to show their backing through humour and shared identity.
Maresca’s comments also suggest that he wants the Etihad to remain a positive environment for his players. Strong support from the stands can help create a sense of togetherness, especially when a club faces intense attention away from football.
Manchester City Fans Show Their Loyalty Amid Financial Case
The return of the inflatable bananas has attracted attention because of the wider scrutiny surrounding Manchester City.
An independent commission previously found that the club had committed more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations following an investigation into its finances. City deny wrongdoing and have appealed the ruling.
The case has placed the club under significant public scrutiny. However, Maresca believes the situation has brought the team and its supporters closer together.
The inflatable bananas at Anfield offered a visible example of that support. Fans used the tradition to show their connection with the club despite the pressure surrounding it.
Maresca also referred to comments from defender Ruben Dias, who suggested that some people dislike seeing Manchester City win.
“I think Ruben said that people don’t like Manchester City winning, but we like winning. I think that is a good message for everyone,” Maresca said.
The manager added that he had noticed a stronger connection between the supporters, the club, and the players since the latest scrutiny began.
For City, that unity could prove important as they try to keep their attention on results rather than outside distractions.
Maresca’s Children Have Also Asked for Bananas
The inflatable banana tradition has even reached Maresca’s family.
The Italian manager revealed that all four of his children had asked him for bananas. They are expected to attend the Ipswich match at the Etihad Stadium.
“I have four children. They have already asked me for bananas. They will be at the stadium tomorrow, so we will see,” Maresca said.
His comments added a personal touch to the story and showed how the tradition has captured the imagination of supporters beyond the usual matchday crowd.
The bananas offer an easy way for fans of different ages to take part in the atmosphere. They also provide a reminder of the playful side of football culture, where shared rituals can help bring people together.
For Maresca, seeing the tradition spread through the stands would be a welcome sight as City prepare for another important Premier League fixture.
Manchester City Aim for a Seventh Consecutive Premier League Win
While the inflatable bananas have become a major talking point, Maresca knows that the most important task remains winning matches.
Manchester City have won all six of their Premier League games since he took charge. That run has matched the best start by a manager in the competition’s history, a record previously achieved by Pep Guardiola, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Carlo Ancelotti.
A victory against Ipswich would give Maresca a seventh consecutive league win and extend his impressive start.
City arrive at the fixture after a mixed week. They recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield before suffering a 4-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
The Liverpool result demonstrated City’s ability to deliver a strong performance in a major match. However, the defeat to PSG also showed that the team still faces challenges as it balances domestic and European commitments.
Maresca wants his players to respond quickly and maintain their league momentum.
He stressed that Saturday’s match carries the same value as the Liverpool fixture because both offer three Premier League points.
The manager has therefore urged his team to focus on the next challenge rather than become distracted by their recent results or the financial case.
Enzo Maresca Refuses to Be Distracted by Off-Field Pressure
Maresca has faced repeated questions from the media about the financial case since the latest developments emerged. Despite the attention, he insists that the situation does not create additional pressure for him.
The manager believes he must concentrate on matters he can control, particularly preparing his players and finding ways to win matches.
“I have said many times that I do not feel pressure from situations off the pitch because they are not something I can control. I only focus on how we can win the next game,” Maresca explained.
He also expressed satisfaction with how the club, supporters, and players have responded to the situation.
According to Maresca, everyone has worked together to maintain a united front. However, he warned that City cannot afford to become complacent after their recent successes.
The Ipswich match will test whether they can continue producing results while attention remains on the club’s off-field issues.
Can Manchester City Continue Their Winning Run?
Manchester City’s meeting with Ipswich offers Maresca an opportunity to extend his perfect Premier League start and keep his team moving forward.
The return of the inflatable bananas could provide a colourful backdrop to the occasion. More importantly, the gesture reflects the support City continue to receive from their fans during a period of intense scrutiny.
Maresca has made his priorities clear. He wants a lively atmosphere at the Etihad, a united dressing room, and another three points.
If City secure victory, they will extend their league winning streak to seven matches under their new manager. For now, Maresca hopes the supporters can help create an unforgettable atmosphere while the players deliver the performance that matters most.
ALSO READ :
