Maresca praises Guéhi's reaction after Aston Villa defeat
Enzo Maresca praised Marc Guéhi's reaction to his costly error in Man City's 2-1 loss at Aston Villa, calling the defender's response "fantastic" ahead of Brighton cup tie.
· Kickhell
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has backed Marc Guéhi following the defender's error in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa, describing his response as "fantastic."
"I'm completely, especially in this moment, happy with Marc," Maresca told reporters on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against 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."
Guéhi was substituted at half-time at Villa Park after his mistake contributed to the home side's opening goal. Maresca acknowledged the England international was aware of the error but stressed there was no lasting concern.
"When they make some mistakes, they recognise. Marc is aware now," the manager added. "He's played all minutes since the start of the season with us and the international team."
Rico Lewis replaced Guéhi in the second half at Villa, shifting to right-back with Abdukodir Khusanov moving into the centre of defence. Maresca confirmed Lewis can be used in multiple positions as City manage a congested schedule.
"He can play full-back or midfield, it depends where we need him," said Maresca. "In this moment, we have Nunes that has the injury so Lewis was good in the second half against Villa."
City top the Premier League table with 21 points from eight games ahead of Wednesday's cup fixture against Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
