Maresca backs Donnarumma ahead of Brighton clash and dismisses revenge talk
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has reaffirmed Gianluigi Donnarumma’s place in goal for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton, while making clear that no player is guaranteed a starting role indefinitely. The Italian goalkeeper has faced scrutiny following several mistakes early in the season, but Maresca says he remains his first choice for the match at the Etihad Stadium.
City’s decision comes after a midweek Carabao Cup encounter in which reserve goalkeeper Gianluigi Rulli impressed during a penalty shootout victory over Brighton. The match finished 2-2 before City advanced on penalties, giving Rulli a timely opportunity to demonstrate his quality. His performance inevitably raised questions about the competition for the No. 1 spot, but Maresca has opted to keep faith with Donnarumma for the league fixture.
Maresca explains Donnarumma’s standing at Manchester City
Asked whether Donnarumma was an “undroppable” member of the squad, Maresca drew a distinction between the goalkeeper’s current position and the idea that any player is immune from being left out.
“There is a difference between saying that the line-up at this moment is Gigio plus 10 players and saying that he is an untouchable player,” Maresca told ESPN. “These are two completely different things. There is no undroppable player, but at the moment I see the line-up as Gigio plus 10 players.”
The message is one of confidence, but not a lifetime guarantee. Donnarumma is set to start against Brighton because Maresca believes he is currently the best choice—not because the manager considers his position beyond question. That balance is familiar in elite football, where coaches must protect a player’s confidence while also maintaining standards and healthy competition across the squad.
For Donnarumma, Saturday offers an opportunity to answer recent criticism on the pitch. Goalkeepers are often judged sharply because errors can lead directly to goals, yet their performances also depend on communication, decision-making and the protection offered by the defensive line. A composed display against Brighton’s attacking players would help reinforce Maresca’s public backing.
Brighton arrive looking to respond after cup defeat
Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler has spoken about wanting revenge after his team’s penalty-shootout loss to City in the Carabao Cup. The sides meet again just days later, this time in the Premier League, where the stakes and match context are different. Brighton will be looking to turn a competitive cup performance into a league result, while City will aim to build on their progression to the next round.
Maresca played down the language of revenge, insisting that his focus is on preparing for a demanding opponent rather than the emotions surrounding the previous match. He expects Brighton to retain their proactive approach, regardless of the competition or changes to either team’s starting line-up.
“It will be a difficult match again,” Maresca said. “They always try to take the initiative and press to attack. They have many attacking players and create many chances, but we will try to give the best we have to win. As for talk of revenge and those matters, that concerns them, not us.”
That assessment points to the central tactical challenge for City. Brighton are known for trying to play forward, press opponents and create openings through movement and quick combinations. If they can disrupt City’s build-up, they may force turnovers in dangerous areas. City, meanwhile, will need to manage Brighton’s pressure, use possession intelligently and avoid giving the visitors easy opportunities to attack in transition.
City manager respects Hürzeler’s view on cup match
Hürzeler also suggested that City had benefited from luck in the cup tie. Maresca declined to turn the comment into a public dispute, instead acknowledging that coaches interpret matches from their own perspectives.
“That is what he said, and every coach has his opinion and his view of things according to what he sees with his own eyes,” Maresca said. “I respect what he said, and we are preparing for the match in the best possible way to continue winning.”
The response keeps attention on the upcoming fixture rather than the debate over the previous one. With the teams having already played a closely contested match, both managers will have fresh evidence of the other side’s approach. Small adjustments—such as how aggressively Brighton press or how City respond to pressure—could prove decisive in a game likely to feature intense midfield battles and quick changes of possession.
What the match could mean for the Premier League race
Brighton enter the contest sitting third in the table, making the meeting an important test for both sides. For City, a home victory would offer a chance to strengthen their position and maintain momentum in a competitive league campaign. For Brighton, earning points at the Etihad would underline their credentials against one of the division’s leading teams.
Any football prediction for this fixture must account for the short gap between the two meetings. The cup game went all the way to penalties, and the physical and mental demands of that contest could influence selection and energy levels. At the same time, familiarity may make it harder for either side to surprise the other. City have home advantage, but Brighton’s pressing and attacking intent mean they cannot be treated as a passive opponent.
Donnarumma’s form will also be a key storyline. His starting role gives him the chance to respond directly to recent doubts, while Rulli’s cup performance has shown that City have another option ready if required. Maresca’s comments suggest that he wants competition within the squad without undermining the goalkeeper he currently trusts.
Maresca offers support for Jack Grealish
Maresca also spoke briefly about Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton after being left out by City following a disciplinary breach. The manager avoided making predictions about whether the winger can return to the highest level, but he did offer a personal defence of Grealish’s character.
“I still believe he is a good boy, and he has a big and wonderful heart,” Maresca said. “I still truly believe that.”
For now, Maresca’s immediate priority is Brighton. He has confirmed Donnarumma will start, rejected the idea that revenge should shape City’s preparation and acknowledged the threat posed by a team eager to take the initiative. With league position, goalkeeper scrutiny and the memory of a dramatic cup tie all adding interest, Saturday’s rematch promises another closely watched test at the Etihad.
