Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has defended Gianluigi Donnarumma following the goalkeeper’s costly mistake in the 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, while admitting his team must eliminate the avoidable goals they have been conceding.

City were twice pegged back by the German side before eventually securing victory. Donnarumma was responsible for Leipzig’s opening goal after Ridle Baku managed to beat him at his near post.

The mistake came shortly after the Italian goalkeeper had produced an outstanding save to keep out Christoph Baumgartner, highlighting the contrasting moments in his performance.

Maresca refused to make the error a major concern but acknowledged that Donnarumma had made a mistake.

Maresca on Donnarumma’s defence

“Not a concern, but it’s a mistake. We recognise that it’s a mistake,” said Maresca. “At the moment I’m not thinking about the goalkeeping situation.

“A few minutes before the mistake, he made a save that no keeper in the world makes. Gigio knows he was not good with the first goal but he’s going to do better.”

The City boss also expressed frustration at the manner in which his side conceded both goals, insisting that such lapses can be prevented.

“Both goals are quite silly goals we can avoid. We are creating many chances in each game but we need to avoid silly goals. It’s about working more. Understand and analyse. I’m new here, I need to know the players and they need to know me. We can only improve.”

Maresca dismissed suggestions that City’s defensive problems were primarily caused by his tactical system or a lack of balance within the team.

“I don’t think in this moment it’s a matter of balance. In the last five or six games we concede in all competitions [and] they are individual mistakes so it’s not about the system or a midfielder to the offensive line. It’s more individual mistakes that we need to do better to avoid.”

The manager believes the solution will come through greater understanding between him and his players, as he continues to settle into his role at the club.