Maresca backs Donnarumma to start for Manchester City against Brighton

Enzo Maresca says Gianluigi Donnarumma remains Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper and will start against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, despite insisting the Italy international is not guaranteed a place in the side.

Donnarumma, 27, has faced criticism after making a series of mistakes during the opening months of the season. Pressure on the former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper increased after reserve goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli produced an impressive performance in Manchester City’s League Cup tie against Brighton in midweek.

Brighton and Manchester City drew 2-2 before the Premier League side won the match on penalties, with Rulli playing a key role. Despite that display, Maresca confirmed that Donnarumma would return to the starting XI for Saturday’s meeting at the Etihad Stadium.

“I think there is a difference between saying that, at this moment, the team is Gigi plus 10 players, and saying that he is untouchable,” Maresca said, according to ESPN.

“They are two completely different things. There is no player who cannot be left out, but at the moment I see the team as Gigi plus 10 players.”

The match will be Manchester City’s second meeting with Brighton in a matter of days. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has said his side will seek revenge after the League Cup defeat, but Maresca played down the significance of those comments.

He expects another demanding contest against a Brighton side currently third in the Premier League table.

“It will be a difficult game again,” Maresca said. “Regardless of whether the opponent is playing in a different competition or with a different team, they always try to take the initiative and attack.

“They have many attacking players and create a lot of chances, but we will try to do our best to win. As for talk of revenge and those things, that concerns them, not us.”

Hurzeler also claimed Manchester City had been fortunate in the cup encounter. Maresca said he respected the Brighton manager’s view but remained focused on preparing his own team.

“That is what he said, and every manager has his own opinion and sees things through his own eyes,” he said. “I respect what he said. We are preparing for the match and making sure we are ready in the best possible way to continue winning.”

Maresca was also asked about former Manchester City player Jack Grealish, who is currently on loan at Everton. Grealish was left out by the club following a disciplinary breach.

The Manchester City manager declined to assess whether Grealish could return to his highest level, but offered a positive personal view of the player.

“I still believe he is a good boy and has a big, wonderful heart,” Maresca said. “I still truly believe that.”