Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca defended Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guéhi on October 27, 2026, following costly errors in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa that ended the club’s unblemished Premier League run, while Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola reflected on his team’s growing connection with supporters.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has stepped forward to defend goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and centre-back Marc Guéhi after mistakes from both players triggered a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday. The reverse at Villa Park halted City’s perfect run of seven wins from seven league matches to begin the campaign.
Enzo 💬 After Villa, we gave five players three days off – Erling, Elliot, Gigio, Joško and Rúben.Go away on holiday. Three days off, go, come back. Full energy. pic.twitter.com/5Ii0nU8W36
Nicolas Jackson capitalized on the defensive errors to secure the victory for Aston Villa, leaving the Etihad Stadium side level on points with defending champions Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table while remaining ahead on goal difference. The result placed both Donnarumma and Guéhi under immediate media scrutiny following earlier difficulties this term.
Enzo Maresca Backs Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guéhi
Donnarumma faced questions regarding his footwork and performance after mistakes contributed to City’s 4-1 Champions League loss against holders Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the month, where Désiré Doué and Maghnes Akliouche found the net. At Villa Park, Jackson’s long-range strike squeezed beneath the Italian goalkeeper’s body for the decisive goal.
Guéhi experienced a difficult sequence as well, having conceded a late penalty in a 3-2 win against Ipswich and made an early error that allowed Lamine Yamal to score for Spain against England during the Nations League last month. Despite the uneven run, Maresca expressed full confidence in the defender.
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 making some mistakes, it’s part of the season.
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager, via The Guardian
Maresca emphasized the heavy physical demands placed on modern players competing across multiple domestic and European fixtures. The manager noted that the dense calendar makes errors nearly inevitable for athletes logging extensive minutes.
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 a mistake, he doesn’t need us to tell him – sometimes it’s so clear so they recognise this.
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager, via The Guardian
Addressing Guéhi’s standing within the squad, Maresca highlighted the defender’s leadership qualities and temperament following setbacks.
I am completely happy with Marc, the way he reacts is fantastic, he is a top guy. He is one of the captains, he is a leader and I love Marc. Same as Gigio, when they make some mistakes it is recognised.
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager, via The Guardian
Geronimo Rulli Replaces Donnarumma for Brighton Cup Tie
To combat fatigue following the Villa Park fixture, the coaching staff granted five players a three-day break to recharge away from club facilities. The group includes Donnarumma, Erling Haaland, Rúben Dias, Elliot Anderson, and Josko Gvardiol.
With Donnarumma sidelined for recovery, 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli will deputise in goal when Manchester City hosts Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie on Wednesday. Rulli previously featured in goal during City’s League Cup outing against Norwich following his summer return for a second spell with the club.
Wednesday’s cup tie marks the first of two home matches against Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton side at the Etihad Stadium, with the Seagulls returning for a Premier League fixture on Saturday.
Andoni Iraola Builds Momentum at Anfield
Across the Premier League, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola reflected on his side’s trajectory after a victory over an in-form Brighton team recorded a fourth successive win and a maiden home success of his tenure. Tasked in the summer with repairing the bond with the Anfield crowd following Arne Slot’s departure, Iraola acknowledged that earning the supporters’ backing remains an ongoing project.
I said it since the first day: you have to earn the right to belong and you only get it with good performances, with wins, and this will take time.
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool head coach, via The Guardian