Maresca backs Donnarumma despite second costly error in 11 days for Man City

Enzo Maresca has publicly backed Gianluigi Donnarumma despite the goalkeeper’s latest error, insisting the Italian’s recent mistakes are not a “concern” as Manchester City edged RB Leipzig 3-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Donnarumma was caught out for Ridle Baku’s equaliser in Leipzig, just 11 days after a similar lapse against Aston Villa cost City their unbeaten Premier League start. The 27-year-old has also failed to keep a clean sheet in his last six appearances across all competitions.

Maresca, however, was measured in his assessment when asked about his goalkeeper’s form. “Not a concern but it’s a mistake,” the City manager said. “We recognise that it’s a mistake. At the moment I’m not thinking about the goalkeeping situation. A few minutes before the goal he’s done a save that no keeper in the world makes. Gigio knows he was not good with the first goal. He’s going to do better.”

The Spaniard broadened his analysis beyond Donnarumma, pointing to a pattern of individual errors across the squad. “In the last five or six games we concede in all competitions and they are individual mistakes, so it’s not about the system or a midfielder to the offensive line. It’s more individual mistakes that we need to do better to avoid.”

Maresca also acknowledged the adjustment period at the club. “I’m new here, I need to know the players and they need to know me. We can only improve.”

Donnarumma’s deputy, Geronimo Rulli, has made two appearances since rejoining City in the summer — both in the Carabao Cup — and is expected to start in the quarter-finals against Bradford City next month. For now, Donnarumma retains his place with his manager’s full support.

Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal against Leipzig to seal all three points, moving City onto nine points from four Champions League group-stage matches. Based on historical precedent, one further win should be enough to secure at least a play-off berth.

In the Premier League, City’s form has been less convincing. Back-to-back defeats against Villa and Brighton have cost them top spot, and they have not won in the league since October 17. Maresca’s side travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday seeking to arrest that slide.