Gianluigi Donnarumma Given Three-Day Holiday by Enzo Maresca After Man City Defeat to Aston Villa

Daily Mail Sport · 2026-10-27
Gianluigi Donnarumma Given Three-Day Holiday by Enzo Maresca After Man City Defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has granted goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a three-day break following the team's loss to Aston Villa, in a move aimed at helping the under-fire Italian rediscover his form. Donnarumma has faced criticism after recent performances, but Maresca expressed confidence in the 26-year-old's ability to bounce back. The decision to give Donnarumma and four other players time off is part of a broader effort to reset mentally and physically during a demanding season. The defeat to Aston Villa highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, and the break is seen as a strategic pause before upcoming fixtures. Maresca's backing signals his belief that Donnarumma remains a key figure for City's title ambitions. With the Premier League race intensifying, the club will hope the rest period yields a sharper, more focused goalkeeper. The next match will test whether the time away has done its job.