Maresca says Donnarumma unlikely to be dropped after Leipzig error

Enzo Maresca has declared that he is not concerned about Gianluigi Donnarumma’s form, despite the goalkeeper’s latest error in Manchester City’s Champions League victory. The Mirror reported ^[1] that the City manager firmly backed the Italian shot-stopper following the 3-2 win away to RB Leipzig. Donnarumma was caught out for Ridle Baku’s equaliser, a slip that came just days after a similar mistake against Aston Villa cost City their unbeaten league start.

The Independent noted ^[2] that Maresca acknowledged the error but insisted it was not a cause for alarm. “Not a concern but it’s a mistake,” Maresca said. He highlighted that moments before the goal, Donnarumma had produced a save “that no keeper in the world makes,” suggesting a balance between brilliance and lapse. The 27-year-old has failed to keep a clean sheet in his last six appearances, raising questions about his stability.

Maresca indicated that Donnarumma is unlikely to be dropped for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, where City seek their first Premier League win since mid-October. The manager admitted he needs time to understand his players, noting they are only four months into their collaboration. He described the goals conceded as “silly” and emphasized the need to avoid individual errors rather than changing the system.

Backup keeper Geronimo Rulli, who has played twice in the Carabao Cup since rejoining the club, is expected to start in next month’s quarter-final against Bradford City. For now, the gloves remain with Donnarumma. City’s focus shifts to domestic duty, having lost their grip on first place after defeats to Villa and Brighton.

Wednesday’s result moved City onto nine points in the Champions League group, with history suggesting one more win secures a play-off spot. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, his 14th of the season. The Norwegian is now just one goal shy of Eric Brook’s record as City’s second-highest goalscorer. Maresca praised Haaland’s ability to appear in the right place at the right time, even when relatively quiet in play.