By Islam El-Sakka
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has insisted goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma retains his full support despite the Italian’s error in Wednesday’s 3-2 Champions League victory at RB Leipzig.
Donnarumma at fault for Leipzig goal
Donnarumma allowed a shot to beat him at his near post for one of Leipzig’s goals, adding to a series of uncharacteristic mistakes this season. The 27-year-old also had a couple of other uncomfortable moments, though he did make a fine save during the match.
Maresca dismisses goalkeeper change talk
Asked if he would review the position during the upcoming international break, Maresca said he was not considering a change. “It’s not a concern, but it’s a mistake. We recognise that, he knows that it’s a mistake,” Maresca told reporters. He highlighted a save Donnarumma made moments before the error, calling it one “any keeper in the world is not going to do.”
City must cut out silly goals
Maresca acknowledged his side needs to stop conceding “silly goals.” City led twice through a Castello Lukeba own goal and an Enzo Fernandez header but were pegged back by Ridle Baku and Antonio Nusa before Erling Haaland’s 78th-minute winner secured the three points.
Haaland continues scoring run
Haaland’s goal was his 14th of the season and 62nd in 61 Champions League appearances, moving him within one of equalling Eric Brook as City’s second-highest scorer. Maresca praised the Norwegian’s ability to deliver even when quiet, noting he had touched the ball only 12 times before the decisive strike.
