Rulli’s Cup Heroics Not Enough to Challenge Donnarumma for Starting Role, Says Maresca
Geronimo Rulli will not contest Gianluigi Donnarumma for the starting goalkeeper position at Manchester City, according to manager Enzo Maresca. Rulli showcased his skills as he played a pivotal role in City’s Carabao Cup victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, winning on penalties (4-3) after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, thus securing a place in the quarter-final.
In a heavily modified lineup, Manchester City faced adversity against Brighton, falling behind twice before responding with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Vitor Reis, which allowed the match to go to penalties at the Etihad Stadium. Rulli emerged as a crucial factor in the shootout, saving two penalty kicks despite Kovacic missing his attempt, as Phil Foden, Enzo Fernandez, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki converted their shots.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper, who joined Manchester City from Marseille as a backup to first-choice Donnarumma, came into the team after James Trafford’s departure to Leeds United for £40 million last summer. Donnarumma had previously drawn strong praise during his debut season in England under Pep Guardiola but has faced criticism recently due to a series of errors in matches.
Following a disappointing 2-4 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, where Donnarumma allowed cheap goals, he also came under scrutiny after a match against Aston Villa, where Nicolas Jackson scored twice in Villa’s 2-1 victory over City.
To help recharge the team amidst a busy fixture schedule, Maresca granted Donnarumma and four other players a three-day break after the defeat at Villa Park. Rulli’s recent performance against Brighton was his chance to impress, potentially leading to more game time.
Despite his standout cup performance, Maresca made it clear that Donnarumma will remain the starting goalkeeper. When asked if Rulli’s performance could challenge Donnarumma’s position, Maresca dismissed the idea, asserting that Rulli knows his role well.
“Absolutely not,” Maresca stated regarding Rulli’s potential to push Donnarumma. “He’s working well but he knows exactly his role – and there is not any doubt about that.”
As Manchester City prepares to face Bradford City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, Maresca reaffirmed, “Gigio [Donnarumma], absolutely no doubt. Saturday, Gigio plus 10 [others].” All eyes will be on Donnarumma in the upcoming match, where he will need to address recent mistakes to maintain his standing without any pressure from potential competition.
