Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca spoke about Gianluigi Donnarumma and the goalkeeper's recent form
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma allows Aston Villa's Nicolas Jackson's shot to squirm through him
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma allows Aston Villa's Nicolas Jackson's shot to squirm through him
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Enzo Maresca backed Gianluigi Donnarumma to shrug off his recent mistakes - after giving the Manchester City goalkeeper an extended holiday. Donnarumma is one of five players who will miss the Carabao Cup game with Brighton after being allowed time off following the Aston Villa defeat.
City had more chances and the better chances at Villa Park but were made to pay for an error by Marc Guehi in the first half and Donnarumma in the second half. Guehi had struggled with two mistakes in the win over Ipswich the previous week, while Donnarumma should have done better with the fourth goal that PSG scored in their Champions League win.
Maresca did not shy away from the idea that Donnarumma has been culpable in recent matches, but is confident that the Italian will be able to shrug off those issues. Geronimo Rulli will start against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, but Donnarumma is expected to return for the Premier League game against the same opponents on Saturday.
"As a football player or manager, when you don't get results or make some mistakes it's normal. It's a consequence. Gigio since we started is doing well, like any manager or player is making some mistakes but it's part of the season," said Maresca.
"They play so many games and minutes that sometimes it's impossible not to make mistakes. He's a strong character. He knows that when he makes some mistake, he doesn't need us to tell them. He recognises that and it's part of the game."
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