Maresca backs Donnarumma after errors in City defeats
Enzo Maresca has defended Gianluigi Donnarumma after the goalkeeper’s errors contributed to Manchester City’s defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. Maresca said mistakes are a normal part of a season in which players face a heavy schedule, and described Donnarumma as a strong character who recognises when he has made an error.
Maresca also backed defender Marc Guéhi, who was involved in goals conceded against Villa and Ipswich. Donnarumma is among five City players given three days off to recover; Erling Haaland, Rúben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol were also rested. Geronimo Rulli is set to deputise against Brighton in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match.
In short
- Maresca says Donnarumma’s mistakes are normal.
- The keeper was rested after errors against PSG and Villa.
- Geronimo Rulli is set to start against Brighton.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Maresca’s support can be seen as a fair response to the demands of a crowded season: even top players make mistakes, and public criticism could undermine confidence without helping them improve. Resting Donnarumma also gives him time to recover, while backing him and Guéhi may help maintain trust and cohesion across the squad.
The case against
A manager also has a responsibility to address errors that contribute to defeats, because clear accountability can help protect standards and reassure teammates and supporters. With Rulli available to deputise, giving Donnarumma a break may be sensible, but some may feel that strong public backing risks sounding too forgiving unless it is matched by a clear assessment of how the mistakes will be corrected.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Donnarumma’s Manchester City mistakes are normal, insists Maresca”.