Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian shot‑stopper, still feels the afterglow of Manchester City’s recent Manchester Derby triumph as he sits in the club’s training complex. While the controversial last‑minute winner from Erling Haaland draws most of the headlines, Donnarumma is more focused on the collective resilience his side displayed, especially after the red card shown to Phil Foden earlier in the match. "We were a man down, everything seemed to be working against us, yet we kept our composure and fought back," he told Sky Sports, emphasizing the team’s character. He praised his teammates, calling their performance "sublime" and highlighting the squad’s ability to stay in the game and respond to adversity.
"No one can take that away from us," he added, underscoring the pride he feels wearing the City shirt. The goalkeeper reminded everyone that the club’s rich history and passionate fanbase deserve a full repayment of loyalty and effort. City entered the international break with an unbeaten record, a rare feat given the recent departures of long‑standing pillars such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri – players who had been integral to Pep Guardiola’s dominant era. Despite these losses, the team has not been flawless; Donnarumma admits there are still lessons to learn even after a seemingly perfect start to the Enzo Maresca era.
The club, however, does not view this as a period of rebuilding. "I don’t like the word ‘transition’ at all," he said.
"Our aim is simple – we want to win. The club’s objective is to win, and this team’s objective is to win. We’ll give everything we have to make that happen." The goalkeeper’s comments come amid a broader conversation about City’s strategic direction.
While other outlets discuss summer transfer spending across Europe’s top leagues, City’s focus remains on integrating new signings and maintaining the high standards set by their predecessors. Donnarumma is now part of a freshly created leadership group that replaces the departed veterans.
Alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi, he forms a quartet of experienced winners who have lifted trophies both at Manchester City and elsewhere. New arrivals such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Ilimian Ndiaye are expected to make an immediate impact, even though the club insists this is not a rebuilding year.
Donnarumma believes the newcomers are accustomed to big‑stage pressure and will adapt quickly. "Moving to a new club, a new city, a new organisation is never easy, but they’re settling in well.
The existing players are helping them feel at home," he explained. He is confident that the blend of seasoned leaders and fresh talent will propel City toward a successful campaign. The objectives are crystal clear: compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
City’s leadership wants to send a strong message that nothing is off limits. Yet, the primary obstacle in the title race appears to be Arsenal, who also boast a perfect start to the season and enjoy the psychological boost of having edged City out for the league title last May in the dramatic documentary about Guardiola’s final season. Donnarumma, who has collected five consecutive league titles, reflected on that disappointment. "It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life.
You’re never alone – there are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League," he said. He acknowledged that setbacks are inevitable, but emphasized the importance of approaching each match with a winning mindset. "Our history demands that we compete, work hard, and do everything possible," he added. When asked whether City and Arsenal will be the two dominant forces again in May, Donnarumma was cautious.
"I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," he admitted, reminding everyone that the campaign is still in its infancy.
His immediate focus, however, is unwavering: "Our priority right now is to work hard and aim to win every game. Whether we achieve everything at the end of the season or not, only time will tell." Looking ahead, City fans can anticipate a Carabao Cup clash with Norwich City on Thursday night, followed by a Premier League encounter with Sunderland on Super Sunday.
Both fixtures will provide further opportunities for the squad to test their resolve and for Donnarumma’s leadership group to cement their influence on and off the pitch. The message from the Italian goalkeeper is clear – Manchester City is not in a period of transition; it is poised for a season of ambition, determination and, ultimately, success.