Gianluigi Donnarumma's place in the Manchester City side has come under renewed scrutiny after the goalkeeper was at fault during the 3-2 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
The Italian was badly out of position as Baku's shot flew in at the City keeper's near post from a tight angle, levelling the scores at 1-1. The error came shortly after Donnarumma had produced a superb save to keep out Christoph Baumgartner's long-range effort, but his overall display in Germany was unconvincing and he nearly fumbled a shot in the first half.
Maresca backs his goalkeeper
The 27-year-old's recent performances have raised questions over whether he should face more competition for his place, but Enzo Maresca has continued to support the former PSG keeper.
"Not a concern but it's a mistake. We recognise that it's a mistake," said Maresca after the game in Leipzig. "At the moment I'm not thinking about the goalkeeping situation. A few minutes before the goal he's done a save that no keeper in the world makes. Gigio knows he was not good with the first goal. He's going to do better."
"Both goals are quite silly goals we can avoid. We are creating many chances in each game but we need to avoid silly goals. It's about working more. Understand and analyse. I'm new here, I need to know the players and they need to know me. We can only improve."
Individual errors, not system issues
Maresca dismissed the idea that the recent run of conceding goals reflects a tactical imbalance. "I don't think in this moment it's a matter of balance. In the last five or six games we concede in all competitions [and] they are individual mistakes so it's not about the system or a midfielder to the offensive line. It's more individual mistakes that we need to do better to avoid."
City have Geronimo Rulli in their goalkeeping ranks, with the Argentine deputising for Donnarumma in the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton last week, saving two penalties to help the Blues into the last eight.
Previous backup options
Last season City had James Trafford on the books, but the former Burnley man left for Leeds United in the summer in search of first-team opportunities after being restricted to mainly cup competitions for the Blues. City won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season, with Trafford impressing in both finals.
