Gianluigi Donnarumma still feels the afterglow of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph as he sits in the club’s training complex, reflecting on the performance that secured the win. While the dramatic last‑minute goal from Erling Haaland sparked debate and the red card shown to Phil Foden earlier in the match left a sour note, Donnarumma chose to focus on the broader picture: a side that, despite being reduced to ten men and facing several adverse moments, displayed resilience and composure to emerge victorious. "I loved my teammates' performance, it was sublime," the Italian goalkeeper told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the game, to respond to tough situations – no one can take that away from us.
We will give everything for this shirt, for a club that gives us so much and enjoys tremendous support. It has a rich history, and we owe it a lot in return." City entered the match with a perfect record this season, a rare achievement especially as they approach a lengthy international break and have already seen the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era, such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. Although the team has shown moments of brilliance, Donnarumma acknowledges that there are still areas that need refinement, even after a seemingly flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era.
The club, however, has always framed this period as a "transition" season, a term the goalkeeper admits he does not favour. "I don't really like the word 'transition'," he said. "The club's objective is to win, and this team's objective is the same. We will give everything we can to achieve that." The mentality that Donnarumma describes is rooted in a winning mindset that transcends the results of any single match.
Whether the season ends with trophies or without, the emphasis remains on maintaining a competitive edge and striving for victory in every contest. This attitude is reinforced by Donnarumma's role in a newly‑formed leadership group that has taken over from the departing veterans. Alongside centre‑back Ruben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and defender Marc Guehi, the goalkeeper forms a quartet of experienced winners who have lifted silverware both at City and elsewhere. As younger talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye begin to settle into the squad, the leadership core is tasked with upholding standards and guiding the newcomers.
"We've changed a few players. Some new faces have arrived," Donnarumma explained. "They are all top‑class athletes accustomed to playing on the biggest stages, handling pressure and competing in the Premier League.
It isn’t easy at first when you move to a new club, a new city, a new organisation, but they are adapting well and we are making them feel at home. The existing players are helping them a lot, and I think we are set for a great season." The ambition is crystal clear: compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League and the two domestic cups. City’s warning to rivals is that nothing is off the table. Yet, when Donnarumma looks ahead to the ultimate challenges of the league and Europe, one opponent stands out: Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's side also started the campaign with five straight victories and recently enjoyed the psychological lift of edging City out for the Premier League title last May, a disappointment captured in the Guardiola documentary that showed City players, including Donnarumma, reacting to the Bournemouth slip‑up that handed the crown to the Gunners. "It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not alone," Donnarumma reflected on that setback. "There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.
It’s not that if you don’t win there isn’t disappointment – of course there is – but it can happen because there are other teams as well, just like in the Champions League. It’s important to go into every game trying to win it. Our objective will be to win, but there are other teams too.
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 once again be the duelling forces at the top when May arrives, the goalkeeper shrugged. "I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season," he said. "Our focus right now has to be on working and trying to win every game.
That has to be our objective. Whether we achieve it in the end or not, only time will tell." Beyond the tactical and psychological aspects, Donnarumma highlighted the importance of integrating new signings into the club culture.
He noted that the newcomers are accustomed to high‑pressure environments and have experience in top leagues, which should smooth their transition. The goalkeeper also praised the support from senior squad members, emphasizing that a collaborative environment is essential for maintaining the high standards expected at Manchester City.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate more high‑stakes fixtures. The club will face Norwich City in the Carabao Cup third round on Thursday night, followed by a Premier League clash with Sunderland on Super Sunday. Both matches will test the squad's depth and the leadership group's ability to keep the winning mentality alive across multiple competitions. In summary, Donnarumma's message is one of confidence and determination.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by player turnover and fierce rivals, he remains optimistic that the blend of seasoned leaders and fresh talent will propel Manchester City toward a season filled with success. The emphasis on a relentless winning mindset, combined with a clear focus on each individual game, underscores the club's ambition to add more silverware to its illustrious history, regardless of whether the term "transition" is used to describe this phase.