Maresca defends Donnarumma after Leipzig errors ahead of Forest trip

Enzo Maresca defended Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error-strewn display in Manchester City’s 3-2 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, insisting the Italian goalkeeper remains his first choice ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.

Donnarumma made three mistakes at the Etihad, one of which directly led to a Leipzig goal, but Maresca pointed to a world-class save from Christoph Baumgartner moments before the near-post error as evidence of the goalkeeper’s unique ability. “Not a concern but it’s a mistake. We recognise that it’s a mistake,” Maresca told reporters. “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 City manager did acknowledge, however, that the squad as a whole must eliminate what he called “silly goals”, with defensive fragility a recurring theme despite the positive result against Leipzig. Backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli remains an option should Maresca’s patience with Donnarumma be tested further.

Beyond the goalkeeping debate, the Premier League title race loomed large over the press conference. City currently sit three points behind Arsenal following last weekend’s results, and a defeat at the City Ground on Saturday could extend that deficit depending on the Gunners’ own result. Erling Haaland, who scored the decisive goal against Leipzig, has publicly called on his teammates to “step up” if City are to remain genuine contenders for silverware this season.

Maresca’s side showed character to twice come from behind against the Bundesliga club, and the win moved them into the top eight of the Champions League league phase. But the manner of the victory — grinding rather than convincing — will give the City manager plenty to address as he prepares his squad for the trip to a Nottingham Forest side in strong form in the top half of the table.