Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has backed Gianluigi Donnarumma, insisting the goalkeeper's recent errors are not a concern. Donnarumma was at fault for Ridle Baku's equaliser during City's 3-2 Champions League win away to RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Donnarumma's mistake against Leipzig
The error came 11 days after the Italian's mistake against Aston Villa, which cost City their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. Donnarumma has also failed to keep a clean sheet in his last six appearances.
Maresca is unlikely to drop the 27-year-old for Saturday's trip to Nottingham Forest, despite acknowledging the mistake. Asked if he was concerned about Donnarumma's form, Maresca replied: "Not a concern but it's a mistake."
Manager's response
"We recognise that it's a mistake. 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."
Maresca also addressed the team's wider issues, saying: "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. I don't think in this moment it's a matter of balance."
Goalkeeper situation and next steps
Donnarumma's backup, Geronimo Rulli, has made two appearances since re-signing for City in the summer, both in the Carabao Cup. Rulli is expected to reclaim his place when City face Bradford City in the quarter-finals next month.
For now, Donnarumma keeps the gloves with his manager's backing. City travel to Nottingham looking for their first Premier League win since October 17, having lost back-to-back away games to Villa and at home to Brighton, losing their grip on first place.
Wednesday's win was much needed, with Erling Haaland scoring the winner. The victory moved City onto nine points after four Champions League games, with one more win likely enough to secure at least a play-off spot.
