Maresca focuses on Donnarumma and Anderson ahead of Nottingham Forest v Manchester City

Enzo Maresca discussed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and midfielder Elliot Anderson at a pre-match press conference ahead of Nottingham Forest v Manchester City at the City Ground in the Premier League on 7 November 2026. The Manchester City manager concentrated on Donnarumma’s recent form and confirmed Anderson will make his first return to the City Ground since his summer move.

Maresca said the Italian will get back to his best with little guidance in his native language, adding he has continued to back his first choice throughout his troubles and has no plans for in-depth conversations with his fellow Italian. "It’s much easier for me with the language," said Maresca. He stressed that different players require different approaches when they err and that some need only a brief acknowledgment.

On how he handles players after mistakes, Maresca said: "We are [having conversations] but there are players who when they make mistakes, you need conversations with them and there are players that when they make a mistake you just need eye contact to understand that he recognises and he knows."

Speaking specifically about Donnarumma, Maresca said: "With Gigio it’s quite easy because every time he has made some mistake or something that was not correct, he recognises immediately. "I spoke with Gigio but sometimes you don’t need to be so deep with some players because they know they have made a mistake and recognise that. Just try to avoid that and move on. Overall he’s good. He’s quite relaxed in terms of he recognises that he has done some mistakes but at the same time he has also made some good saves."

Maresca added: "It’s just a matter of balance – try to avoid mistakes and continue to do the right things." The fixture also marks Elliot Anderson’s first return to the City Ground since his £116m summer move from Forest; Maresca said Anderson has been in good form and that he has been impressed with how the midfielder has settled. "It’s a big game for Elliot but it’s a big game for all of us. He wants to understand, he wants to learn and improve and for a manager it’s a dream because you know that he wants to learn."

The comments were delivered ahead of the Premier League meeting at the City Ground on 7 November 2026.