Manchester City Manager Praises Players After Penalty Win Over Brighton
Enzo Maresca commended his players for their resilience in a penalty shootout victory against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca praised his players for their composure during a penalty shootout victory against Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round at the Etihad Stadium on October 29.
The defending champions, who had to come from behind twice, secured a 4-3 win on penalties, earning a spot in the quarter-finals where they will face Bradford City.
After the match, Maresca stated, “To be honest, since I’ve been here, we’ve never practiced penalties.”
Phil Foden, Enzo Fernandez, Jeremy Doku, and Ryan Cherki successfully converted their penalties. Although Mateo Kovacic missed his attempt, backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli made crucial saves against Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk, securing the much-needed win for City.
Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute through Malik Yalçın, but Kovacic equalized just before halftime. The Seagulls regained the lead early in the second half with a goal from Georginio Rutter in the 47th minute. Vitor Reis leveled the score again in the 72nd minute, sending the match to penalties.
Doku’s introduction from the bench changed the atmosphere at the Etihad, especially when Reis scored from Cherki’s free-kick.
Maresca commented on Doku’s impact, saying, “I’m not sure if he changed the game, but he certainly influenced it. That’s why they are here — whether starting or coming off the bench, they try to make a difference.”
Additionally, City played without several key players, including Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson, and Josko Gvardiol, who were given rest.
Maresca expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the effective game planning and rotation, particularly from those who took the field.
