Enzo Maresca addressed Gerónimo Rulli’s shootout heroics, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s position and Manchester City’s Carabao Cup ambitions after Wednesday’s dramatic victory over Brighton.

City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 before Rulli saved two penalties in a 4-3 shootout victory, sending the holders through to a quarter-final against Bradford City.

Maresca on Rulli and Donnarumma…

Rulli was City’s match-winner on only his second appearance for the club, responding after Mateo Kovačić had a penalty saved by denying Yasin Ayari and then Lewis Dunk. Maresca praised the Argentine’s overall display as well as his shootout contribution, but quickly dismissed any suggestion that Donnarumma’s position as first-choice goalkeeper was under threat.

“He’s working well, but he knows exactly his role. Absolutely no doubt,” Maresca said. “Saturday is Gigio plus 10.”

Maresca on Phil Foden…

Foden also played an important role in the comeback, setting up Kovačić’s first-half equaliser as City twice recovered from falling behind. Asked whether the England international was beginning to return to his best, Maresca replied “absolutely” and said his work would continue to help the team.

It was another encouraging contribution from Foden on a night when Maresca made nine changes to the side beaten by Aston Villa. The City boss rejected the suggestion that he had rotated too heavily, saying he was happy with both the planning and the players who came into the team.

Maresca on penalties…

Maresca also revealed City have not specifically practised penalties since he became manager, despite eventually holding their nerve in the shootout. Kovačić was the only City player to miss before Rulli’s two saves turned the contest back in their favour.

“Since I am here, we’ve never practised it,” Maresca said. The victory maintained City’s defence of the trophy and extended their winning run in the competition after lifting the Carabao Cup last season.

Maresca on City’s cup ambitions…

Bradford now stand between City and another trip to the semi-finals, with the League One side due to visit the Etihad in the last eight. Despite describing this as a new project under a new manager with new players, Maresca made clear that City’s expectations have not changed.

“It’s a different competition, but the ambition has to be the same,” he said. “We need to do our business, which is winning games.”

Attention now returns to the Premier League, with Brighton back at the Etihad on Saturday. Donnarumma will return in goal, with Maresca leaving no doubt about his pecking order despite Rulli’s decisive contribution on Wednesday night.