Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has moved to shield Gianluigi Donnarumma from mounting criticism, insisting the Italian goalkeeper’s recent errors are simply part and parcel of a gruelling season. He also confirmed that Geronimo Rulli will be in goal for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton.
Donnarumma, signed as City’s long-term successor between the posts, has been involved in a run of costly mistakes in recent weeks that have drawn scrutiny from supporters and pundits alike.
But Maresca used his pre-match press conference to publicly back his No.1, while confirming that Rulli, handed his chance in the Italian’s absence, has done enough to retain the gloves against the Seagulls.
Rulli settling in “perfectly” at the Etihad
Maresca was full of praise for the Argentine understudy, revealing that conversations held with Rulli before his arrival at the club had already laid the groundwork for a smooth transition into the squad’s hierarchy.
“He’s good, before he arrived here, I had a conversation with him. He knows his role exactly, that is important. He’s doing well, helping the players and Gigio [Donnarumma] a lot in the day-by-day. When he played some minutes, he was good and tomorrow [vs Brighton], he’s going to play again,” he said per City Xtra
It is a measure of trust Maresca has shown few qualms about extending, with the head coach keen to stress that Rulli’s role as understudy goes beyond simply deputising when called upon. His influence, City’s manager suggested, is also being felt in training and around the dressing room as he helps Donnarumma work through a difficult spell.
Maresca: criticism of Donnarumma “normal” consequence of mistakes
Asked directly about the errors that have crept into Donnarumma’s game, Maresca did not shy away from acknowledging the scrutiny his goalkeeper has faced. He, however, framed it as an inevitable by-product of the physical and mental demands of a congested fixture list.
“When a football player or manager don’t get results or make some mistakes, it’s normal that it [criticism] is a consequence.
“Gigio, I think, since we started has done well. It’s part of the season, they’re playing so many games, so many minutes that sometimes it’s almost impossible to not make a mistake,” Maresca said.
The head coach went on to describe Donnarumma as a resilient character who needs little reminding when things go wrong, pointing to the goalkeeper’s own self-awareness as reason for confidence that the mistakes will not define his season.
“He’s quite a strong guy. He knows anyway that when he makes some mistake, he doesn’t need us to tell him that was a mistake. He recognises that and it’s part of the game,” he added.
Donnarumma was one of several senior players, including Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, Joško Gvardiol and captain Rúben Dias, given a short break following last weekend’s Premier League defeat at Aston Villa, a factor that has also shaped City’s rotation plans for the cup tie.
Maresca extended similar sympathy to defender Marc Guéhi, who has also been at the centre of recent defensive lapses.
Far from criticising the centre-back, the head coach singled him out as an example of how senior players at the club are expected to respond to setbacks.
“Especially in this moment, I’m completely happy with Marc because the way he reacted is fantastic. He’s a top guy; again, he’s one of the captains, he’s a leader and I love Marc, to be honest,” Maresca said.
“And again, it’s the same with Gigio [Donnarumma]. When they make a mistake, they recognise it. So Marc is aware now and he’s completely okay.”
Brighton, who have impressed in the competition this season, will provide a stern test on Wednesday evening as City look to continue their push in the Carabao Cup while managing the fitness and form of a squad feeling the weight of a long campaign.
