Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian shot‑stopper, was still riding the high of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph when he sat down at the club’s training complex for a chat with Sky Sports. The goalkeeper, who has quickly become one of the most vocal members of the squad, chose not to focus on Erling Haaland’s contentious late winner, nor on the earlier dismissal of Phil Foden, which he described as "harsh." Instead, he highlighted the collective resolve that saw City persevere despite being a man down and facing a cascade of adverse moments. "I loved my teammates' performance, it was sublime," Donnarumma said. "The ability to stay in the game, to respond to difficult periods – no one can take that away from us.
We give everything for this shirt, for a club that has given us so much and enjoys massive support. The history here is massive, and we owe it a lot back." The victory came at a time when many pundits were questioning whether City could maintain a perfect record heading into the long international break, especially after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, Donnarumma admitted that there are still areas that need refinement, even after a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca‑era.
He was quick to dismiss the notion of a "transition" season, insisting that the club’s sole aim remains winning every trophy on offer. "I don’t really like the word ‘transition’," he added. "The club’s objective is to win.
This team’s objective is to win. We’ll certainly give everything we can to achieve that." He went on to stress the importance of a winning mentality, whether the campaign ends with silverware or not. "We could finish the season having won something or having won nothing.
What matters is that we go out with a winning mindset, trying to win everything we possibly can." Donnarumma’s words carry extra weight because he now sits on a newly‑formed leadership panel that replaces the departing veterans. Alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi, he forms a quartet of players who have already lifted trophies at City and elsewhere. Their combined experience is intended to guide the younger arrivals – Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye – as they adapt to a club that claims it is not in a rebuilding phase but in a full‑throttle push for glory. "We’ve added a few new faces," Donnarumma explained.
"They are all top‑class players accustomed to the biggest stages, to handling pressure, and to 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 settling in well and we are doing everything to make them feel at home.
The existing players are helping a lot, and I truly believe we are heading for a great season." He outlined the club’s ambitions: to stay in contention for the Premier League, the Champions League and both domestic cups. By stating this, the goalkeeper sent a clear message that City will not settle for anything less than competing on all fronts, even as rivals such as Arsenal also enjoy a perfect start to the campaign. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have matched City’s five‑game winning streak and even edged City out for the Premier League title in the previous season’s dramatic finale, a moment captured in the recent Guardiola documentary that showed a dejected City side after a slip‑up at Bournemouth. Donnarumma, who collected five consecutive league titles before that disappointment, reflected on the emotional toll of falling short.
"It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not alone – there are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.
Disappointment exists when you don’t win, of course, but it’s part of the game, just like in the Champions League. It’s vital to go into every match wanting to win. Our objective is to win, but we know 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," he said. When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again be the duelling forces at the top when May arrives, Donnarumma was cautious. "I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season," he admitted. "Our focus right now is on working hard and trying to win every game. That’s our objective. Whether we achieve it in the end or not, only time will tell." Beyond the on‑field tactics, Donnarumma emphasized the cultural shift within the squad.
The leadership group is tasked with maintaining high standards, fostering a supportive environment for newcomers, and ensuring that the club’s storied legacy continues to inspire. He believes that the blend of experienced leaders and fresh talent creates a dynamic capable of navigating the inevitable challenges of a Premier League season, from injuries to fixture congestion. Looking ahead, City fans can anticipate a packed schedule.
The team 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 present opportunities for the squad to cement the winning mentality Donnarumma champions and to demonstrate that, despite any roster changes, Manchester City remains a powerhouse intent on adding more silverware to its illustrious cabinet.
In summary, Donnarumma’s message to supporters and teammates alike is unequivocal: Manchester City is not in a period of transition but is fully geared up for a season of ambition, resilience, and relentless pursuit of trophies. The combination of seasoned leaders, hungry newcomers, and a clear, win‑or‑nothing philosophy sets the stage for what could be a memorable campaign, provided the players stay focused, work together, and keep the club’s proud history at the forefront of every challenge they face.