Maresca backs Donnarumma after errors and gives five City players time off

Enzo Maresca has defended Gianluigi Donnarumma after errors in Manchester City's defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, saying mistakes are an unavoidable part of a demanding season. The Guardian reported that City's manager remains satisfied with the goalkeeper's contribution and has given him, along with four teammates, three days off following Saturday's loss at Villa Park.

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Donnarumma was beaten by a long-range Nicolas Jackson effort that went underneath him and proved decisive against Villa. The result ended City's unbeaten start to the league campaign. Earlier this month, the Italian goalkeeper was also at fault for goals by Désiré Doué and Maghnes Akliouche during a 4-1 Champions League defeat by defending champions PSG, according to the report.

Maresca said the number of matches and minutes players accumulate makes it unrealistic to expect an entire season without errors. He described Donnarumma as mentally strong and said the goalkeeper recognises his own mistakes without needing the coaching staff to point them out. His assessment was that Donnarumma had performed well overall since they began working together, despite those recent setbacks.

The manager also offered support to Marc Guéhi, whose recent performances have included several costly incidents. The Guardian identified his role in Jackson's opening goal on Saturday and the late penalty he conceded in City's 3-2 victory over Ipswich the previous weekend. Guéhi also made an early error before Lamine Yamal scored for Spain against England in last month's Nations League match.

Maresca said he was pleased with Guéhi and praised the defender's response to mistakes. He highlighted Guéhi's leadership and status as one of City's captains, placing him alongside Donnarumma as a player who acknowledges when something has gone wrong. The comments amounted to public backing for both players following scrutiny of their contributions to recent goals conceded.

Donnarumma's break is part of a wider recovery measure rather than an isolated absence. Erling Haaland, Rúben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol were also granted three days away after the Villa game. Maresca said the intention was for them to return refreshed. Geronimo Rulli will replace Donnarumma for Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Brighton, the Guardian reported.