Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has praised Marc Guéhi’s response to the 2-1 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa, highlighting the defender’s leadership and willingness to take responsibility after a costly mistake.
Guéhi had been a key figure in City’s strong start to the campaign, playing every minute of the team’s league matches until his half-time substitution at Villa Park on Saturday. However, the England international was involved in the build-up to Villa’s opening goal and has acknowledged his error.
Despite the disappointment, Maresca was encouraged by the defender’s reaction and made clear that his confidence in Guéhi remains strong.
“I’m completely, especially in this moment, happy with Marc,” Maresca said during Tuesday’s press conference ahead of City’s Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton.
“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. Marc is aware now.”
The City boss also pointed to Guéhi’s demanding run of matches for both club and country, explaining that the defender remains physically ready despite his recent workload.
“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 Champions League game, he played 45 minutes the other day so he’s completely okay,” Maresca added.
Lewis Ready to Fill Multiple Roles
Guéhi’s withdrawal at Villa Park brought Rico Lewis into the defence, with the Academy graduate taking up the right-back position as Abdukodir Khusanov moved into the centre.
Lewis has made only two starts so far this season, against Norwich City and AEK Athens, but Maresca believes the 21-year-old can provide valuable flexibility as City navigate a busy schedule.
Asked whether he prefers Lewis at full-back or in midfield, the manager stressed that the decision depends on the team’s needs.
“He can play both,” Maresca explained.
“In this moment, we have Nunes that has the injury so Lewis was good in the second half against Villa.
“He can play full-back or midfield, it depends where we need him.”
With Matheus Nunes dealing with an injury, Lewis’s versatility could prove particularly useful as City prepare for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
City Look to Respond Against Brighton
The defeat at Villa Park was a setback for Maresca’s side, but the manager’s comments suggest there is no loss of faith in Guéhi. Instead, the focus is on how the defender has responded and how the squad can move forward together.
City now have an immediate opportunity to respond when Brighton visit in the Carabao Cup. With Lewis offering cover in more than one position and Guéhi retaining the manager’s backing, Maresca will be looking for a composed performance as his team attempts to put the weekend disappointment behind them.
