Enzo Maresca Press Conference: Five Manchester City Stars Given 'Three Days Off' Ahead of Carabao Cup Fourth Round

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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · City Xtra | Manchester City News & More ↗

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca gave five first-team players three days off to recover after their loss to Aston Villa, according to a press conference reported by City Xtra. The players, Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Marc Guehi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, were given time off to 'recover the energy' after the defeat. Maresca stated that they would return 'full energy' for the next match. The decision comes as City navigates a challenging period with several injury concerns.

City Xtra reported that Maresca's Manchester City is still adjusting after the transition from Pep Guardiola, having suffered back-to-back losses to Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the setbacks, City remains top of the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal but ahead on goal difference. The team faces Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with Maresca planning to field a different lineup, including backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Maresca discussed the team's preparations for the Carabao Cup match against Brighton, confirming Geronimo Rulli would start in goal. City Xtra reported Maresca praising Rulli's adaptation to the team, stating he knew his role and was helping the other players, including Donnarumma. Maresca also mentioned Rulli performed well in his minutes played so far and was expected to play again against Brighton.