Enzo Maresca insisted he is "completely happy" with Marc Guehi amid recent criticism of the defender.

Guehi's defending was called into question during City's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday after he was dispossessed in the lead-up to Nicolas Jackson's opener.

Since the start of last season, only Bart Verbruggen (five), Jan Paul van Hecke (four) and Robin Roefs (four) have made more errors leading to goals in the Premier League than Guehi (three).

The England international, who was taken off at half-time at Villa Park, also made an error during the Three Lions' Nations League defeat to Spain during the previous international break.

Nevertheless, ahead of City's EFL Cup tie with Brighton, Maresca came to Guehi's defence.

"I'm completely, especially in this moment, happy with Marc," said Maresca.

"The way he reacted was fantastic. He is a top guy, a leader, one of the captains and I love Marc to be honest.

"When they make some mistakes, they recognise them. Marc is aware now.

"He's played all minutes since the start of the season with us and the international team. In the last two weeks he didn't play the Champions League game, he played 45 minutes the other day so he's completely okay."

Brighton next  #AsahiSuperDry https://t.co/c3TrOLo0Oo

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 27, 2026

City have won their last seven EFL Cup matches, their joint-best ever winning run in the competition. Only six teams have won eight in a row, most recently Newcastle United (nine between October 2024 and December 2025).

The only previous EFL Cup meeting between City and Brighton was in the second round in 2008-09; after a 2-2 draw at Withdean Stadium, the Seagulls won 5-3 on penalties.

Maresca's side will face Brighton twice this week, with the two sides also going head-to-head in the league on Saturday.

"First of all, they are doing very well so both games will be tough," Maresca said.

"They are very brave, aggressive and when they have the ball they attack with so many players.

"They create so many chances. We need to do the right things offensively and defensively."