Maresca backs Donnarumma despite spotlight on errors
Gianluigi Donnarumma is under scrutiny after another nervy display, but Enzo Maresca has made clear he is sticking by his goalkeeper heading into the weekend.
ESPN reports that Maresca has reiterated his support for Donnarumma, while also acknowledging that the Italian "knows he's made mistakes" (ESPN). That balance - public backing alongside an honest admission of errors - seems to be the manager's approach as he tries to keep confidence high within the squad.
The Manchester Evening News focuses on how Donnarumma himself has reacted to the criticism, describing his response to the recent mistakes as "quite easy" after a shaky performance in midweek (Manchester Evening News). The suggestion is that the goalkeeper isn't getting bogged down by the scrutiny and is taking the setbacks in his stride, at least outwardly.
The Mirror takes a more critical angle, arguing that Donnarumma's error-prone form could end up costing City, especially with title rivals Arsenal able to call upon the "rock-solid" David Raya between the posts (Mirror). While Maresca is adamant that his goalkeeper's form isn't a concern, the Mirror's analysis suggests the contrast between the two shot-stoppers is becoming harder to ignore as the title race takes shape.
All three outlets agree on the central fact: Donnarumma has been shaky of late and is drawing attention for it. Where they differ is in tone - ESPN and the Manchester Evening News present a club and player managing the situation calmly, with Maresca's backing and Donnarumma's own relaxed response, whereas the Mirror frames it as a genuine concern given what Arsenal have at their disposal.
For City fans, the hope will be that this talking point fades quickly. With Nottingham Forest up next away from home, a composed and assured performance between the sticks would go a long way to taking the heat off Donnarumma and reinforcing Maresca's faith in him.
Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
