Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Gianluigi Donnarumma remains his preferred goalkeeper and will start this weekend's Premier League clash against Brighton, according to Punch.
The Italian shot-stopper has come under heavy fire after committing several blunders during the early weeks of the current campaign. Questions over his starting spot grew louder after backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli delivered an impressive performance, stopping two penalties during City's League Cup shootout victory over Brighton following a 2-2 draw.
Speaking to journalists during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Maresca addressed the situation head-on. The manager clarified that while Donnarumma is not immune to being benched, he remains the foundation of his starting lineup for the upcoming fixture.
Maresca explained that claiming a player is undroppable differs from trusting them completely at a particular point in time. He noted that while no squad member is entirely safe from being dropped, his current strategy for the team is built around Donnarumma and ten other outfield players.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has already set the tone for Saturday's rematch at the Etihad Stadium, declaring that his squad wants revenge following their cup exit. Hurzeler also argued that league leaders Manchester City rode their luck during the midweek penalty shootout.
Maresca dismissed the revenge talk, noting that Brighton's mindset is their own concern. The City boss praised the Seagulls for their attacking style and ability to score, adding that his team is focused on preparing properly to secure all three points in what promises to be a demanding encounter.
