Maresca backs Guehi after costly error before Brighton Carabao Cup tie

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says he is “completely happy” with Marc Guehi’s response to the mistake that contributed to Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.

The England international lost possession cheaply at Villa Park, allowing Nicolas Jackson to score an early goal for the hosts, who went on to secure victory.

Maresca defended the centre-back before City’s Round of 16 Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Guehi has started and completed every Premier League match for the club this season.

“I’m completely, especially in this moment, happy with Marc,” said the Italian at his pre-match press conference.

“The way he reacted was fantastic. He is a top guy, a leader, one of the captains and I love Marc to be honest. When they make some mistakes, they recognise. Marc is aware now.

“He’s played all minutes since the start of the season with us and the international team. In the last two weeks he didn’t play Champions League game, he played 45 minutes the other day so he’s completely okay.”

Maresca said Guehi had responded in the right way after the error and highlighted the defender’s workload for both club and country.

The manager also confirmed that goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli will start against Brighton and Hove Albion in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie.

“Yes [Rulli will play tomorrow],” added the former Chelsea boss.

“He’s good. Before I arrived here, I had a conversation with him, he knows his role and that’s important. Day by day he is helping a lot. When he has played, he was good and tomorrow he will play again.”

Rulli has been told what is expected of him and, according to Maresca, has continued to contribute to the squad despite his role.

The City manager also revealed that five players were given three days away from the club following the defeat by Aston Villa.

“After Villa, we gave five players three days off. Erling [Haaland], Elliot [Anderson], Gigio [Donnarumma], Ruben [Dias] and Josko [Gvardiol]. Go away on holiday. Three days off, go, come back. Full energy.”

Manchester City will now turn their attention to their home Round of 16 fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion, with Maresca set to make use of Rulli in goal and manage the workload of the players who were given time away after Saturday’s match.