‘He knows his role’ – Rulli provides heroics but no worries for Donnarumma
Geronimo Rulli saved Brighton’s final two penalties to send Manchester City through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, after a 2-2 draw. His performance also included a fingertip save from Georginio Rutter, but manager Enzo Maresca said it would not change Gianluigi Donnarumma’s position as City’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Rulli, 34, rejoined City from Marseille for £1.7m in the summer as Donnarumma’s back-up, and is expected to return to the bench when the teams meet in the Premier League on Saturday. Donnarumma has faced criticism after recent errors, including at Aston Villa, but Maresca said he would start against Brighton. City made nine changes for the cup tie and will face Bradford in the quarter-finals as they seek to retain the trophy.
In short
- Rulli saved two penalties to send City through.
- Maresca says Donnarumma remains first choice.
- City will play Bradford in the quarter-finals.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Maresca can reasonably keep Donnarumma as first choice because a single cup performance, however impressive, need not outweigh a longer record of training and match performances. Clear roles may also help maintain stability and confidence, while Rulli can be valued as a reliable reserve without an immediate change in the league line-up.
The case against
Rulli’s penalty saves and fingertip stop offer a strong case for giving him more than a back-up role, particularly after Donnarumma’s recent errors. Rewarding current form could strengthen competition for places and signal that selection depends on performance, while allowing City to assess whether Rulli can deliver consistently in higher-stakes league matches.
Explained simply
Manchester City are one of English football’s leading clubs and are managed by Enzo Maresca. Gianluigi Donnarumma is their first-choice goalkeeper, while Geronimo Rulli joined in the summer as his back-up. Goalkeepers can be rotated between competitions, but a manager’s choice of first choice usually signals who is expected to play in the league.
The Carabao Cup is a knockout competition for English clubs, with teams eliminated after losing a tie. City are defending the trophy, and winning it again would add to their domestic silverware. Rulli’s cup performance has drawn attention because Donnarumma has recently been criticised for mistakes, making the distinction between a strong back-up showing and a change in the regular pecking order relevant to City supporters.