Gianluigi Donnarumma, perched at Manchester City’s training complex just days after the dramatic Manchester Derby triumph, is still riding the wave of euphoria. While the controversial last‑minute winner from Erling Haaland continues to spark debate and Phil Foden’s harsh red card still irks him, Donnarumma’s focus lies elsewhere.
He is delighted that his side, reduced to ten men and beset by adversity, displayed the resilience and character needed to clinch victory. "I adored the way my teammates performed – it was absolutely sublime," the Italian goalkeeper told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the fight, to respond to the toughest moments, that’s something no one can strip away from us." He went on to stress the deep loyalty he feels for the club: "We give everything for this shirt, for this institution that gives us so much and enjoys incredible support. It has a rich history, and we must repay that legacy with our own contributions." With the international break looming, few clubs have managed to keep a perfect record this season, especially after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri.
City have shown occasional lapses, and even Donnarumma admits there is still plenty to learn despite the flawless start to the Enzo Maresca‑era. The campaign was slated as a "transition" season, yet the tone in the dressing room suggests otherwise. "I’m not fond of the word ‘transition’," Donnarumma said.
"The club’s goal is to win. This team’s goal is to win. We will give everything we can to achieve that." He added that the season could end either with trophies or with nothing at all, but what truly matters is maintaining a winning mentality and striving to capture every possible honour.
A crucial component of that mentality is the newly‑formed leadership group, of which Donnarumma is a key member. Alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi, he joins a quartet of players who have already lifted silverware at City and elsewhere. Their shared experience is intended to guide the newer arrivals – Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Ilimian Ndiaye – as they settle into a squad that, according to Donnarumma, is no longer in a rebuilding phase but ready for a full‑throttle campaign.
"We have brought in a few new faces," he explained. "All of them are top‑class professionals accustomed to performing on the biggest stages, handling pressure and thriving in the Premier League." He acknowledged the challenges of moving to a new city, a new club and a new organisation, but praised the integration process: "It isn’t easy at first, but they are adapting well and we are doing everything to make them feel at home. The existing players are helping them a great deal, and I truly believe we are heading for an excellent season." The ambition, he clarified, is to compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League and the two domestic cups.
City’s message to rivals is crystal clear: in a season where they are not rebuilding, anything is on the table. One opponent that looms large in Donnarumma’s mind is Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side also opened the campaign with five straight wins and have the psychological edge of having edged City out for the Premier League title in May of last year.
The recent Guardiola documentary captured a somber moment when City slipped up at Bournemouth, handing the Gunners the title. Donnarumma, who had been part of five consecutive league‑winning squads before that disappointment, reflected on the setback. "It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life.
You’re never alone," he said. "There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.
Disappointment is inevitable when you don’t win, but it’s part of the game, just like in the Champions League." He emphasized the necessity of approaching each match with a win‑or‑lose mindset: "You have to compete, you have to work, and you have to do everything possible because the history of this club demands it." When asked whether City and Arsenal will again dominate the top of the table in May, Donnarumma shrugged: "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season." Nevertheless, he underscored the immediate priority.
"Our focus right now is to work hard and try to win every game. That’s our objective.
Whether we achieve it in the end or not, only time will tell." Looking ahead, fans can tune in to watch City’s Carabao Cup third‑round clash with Norwich City on Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by the Premier League encounter with Sunderland on Super Sunday, kicking off at 2 p.m. The season is still young, but the message from the goalkeeper and his leadership cohort is unmistakable: Manchester City are not in transition – they are poised for greatness.