Gianluigi Donnarumma still feels the after‑glow of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph as he sits in the club’s training complex. While the winning goal by Erling Haaland sparked debate and Phil Foden’s red card earlier in the match still irks him, Donnarumma is more focused on the collective resilience his teammates displayed. "We were a man down, the odds were against us, yet we showed character and came out on top," he told Sky Sports. He praised the squad’s performance, calling it "sublime" and highlighting their ability to stay composed under pressure.
"No one can take away the fact that we fought for every minute, for this shirt and for a club that has given us so much support. The history here is massive, and we have a duty to give back," he added.
City entered the international break with an unbeaten record, a feat that seemed increasingly unlikely after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era—Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. Although the team has shown flashes of brilliance, Donnarumma admits there are still areas that need improvement.
"I don’t really like the word ‘transition’," he said. "The club’s aim is to win, and this team’s aim is the same. We’ll give everything we can to achieve that." The goalkeeper is now part of a newly formed leadership group that replaces the outgoing veterans. Alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi, Donnarumma forms a quartet of experienced winners who have lifted trophies both at City and elsewhere.
Their role is to set standards for newcomers such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye, who are expected to make an immediate impact in what the club describes as a non‑transition year. "We’ve brought in a few new players, all of whom are accustomed to playing on big stages and handling the pressures of the Premier League," Donnarumma explained. "It’s never easy to settle into a new city, a new organisation, but they’re adapting quickly and we’re doing everything to make them feel at home. The existing squad has been very supportive, and I truly believe we’re on track for a great season." City’s objectives are crystal clear: compete for every trophy on offer—the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
The leadership group’s message to rivals is simple: nothing is off‑limits when the team is firing on all cylinders. One of the main obstacles to City’s ambitions is Arsenal, who also began the campaign with five straight wins and recently edged City out for the Premier League title last May. The recent documentary on Guardiola captured the disappointment of City players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the league to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had been part of five consecutive title‑winning sides before that loss, reflected on the setback: "It’s tough, but that’s football.
Disappointment is part of the game, especially when there are other strong teams around." He stressed the importance of approaching each match with a winning mindset. "Our goal is to win every game, but we know there are other quality sides in the league and in Europe.
You have to work, you have to compete, and you have to give everything because the club’s history demands it." When asked whether City and Arsenal will be the two clubs battling for the top spot again in May, Donnarumma was cautious. "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," he said.
"Our focus right now is on preparing for each match and trying to win it. Whether we finish the season with silverware or not will be decided in time." The Italian goalkeeper also highlighted the club’s broader vision beyond the league.
"We want to be competitive in the Champions League, to reach the latter stages, and to add more domestic cups to our collection. The fans deserve it, and we owe it to the club’s legacy," he affirmed.
City’s fans can look forward to upcoming fixtures that will test the squad’s depth. The Carabao Cup third‑round tie against Norwich City is scheduled for Thursday night at 8 p.m., followed by a Premier League clash with Sunderland on Super Sunday, kicking off at 2 p.m. These matches will provide further opportunities for the new leaders and fresh signings to showcase their abilities and reinforce the team’s winning mentality. In summary, Donnarumma’s message is unequivocal: Manchester City is not in a period of rebuilding; it is poised for a season of ambition, driven by a blend of seasoned winners and hungry newcomers, all united by the desire to add more chapters to the club’s illustrious history.