Gianluigi Donnarumma, still riding the high of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph, sat down with Sky Sports at the club’s training complex to share his thoughts. While the controversial last‑minute winner from Erling Haaland and the harsh red card shown to Phil Foden still linger in the post‑match chatter, Donnarumma was more focused on the collective resilience his side displayed. "We were a man down, the odds were against us, yet we showed real character and came out on top," he said, highlighting the squad’s ability to stay composed under pressure. He praised his teammates, describing their performance as "sublime" and emphasizing the importance of the team’s mental fortitude.
"The capacity to stay in the game and respond to difficult moments is something no opponent can take away from us," Donnarumma added. The goalkeeper also reiterated his commitment to the club’s heritage, noting, "We will give everything for this shirt, for this club that gives us so much and offers us such great support.
It has a great history, and we need to give a lot back to it." City entered the international break with an almost perfect record, a rarity given the recent departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era—Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. Despite a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era, Donnarumma admitted there is still room for improvement. "I don’t really like the word ‘transition,’" he said.
"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 warned that the season could end in triumph or disappointment, but what truly matters is the winning mentality that drives the squad to strive for every possible trophy.
This mindset is reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group that includes Donnarumma, defender Rúben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and centre‑back Marc Guehi. All four have a history of lifting silverware at City and elsewhere, providing a strong backbone for the younger arrivals. Speaking about the influx of fresh talent such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Ilimian Ndiaye, Donnarumma noted, "We’ve changed a few players.
A few new ones have arrived. They’re all top players who are used to playing on the biggest stages, dealing with certain situations, and playing in the Premier League. It’s not easy at the beginning when you move to a new club, a new organisation, a new city.
But they’re adapting well, and we’re making them feel comfortable. The players who were already here are helping them a lot.
I think we’re going to have a great season." The Italian goalkeeper outlined the club’s ambitions: to compete on every front— the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. He stressed that City’s message to rivals is clear: nothing is off the table when it comes to titles. Yet, he acknowledged that Arsenal remains the primary obstacle in the race for domestic supremacy. Mikel Arteta’s side also boasts five consecutive victories and the psychological edge of having edged City out for the Premier League title last May, a moment captured in the recent Guardiola documentary where City players, including Donnarumma, expressed disappointment after a slip‑up at Bournemouth handed the trophy to the Gunners.
Reflecting on that setback, Donnarumma said, "It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not on your own.
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.
Certainly, 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 two clubs battling for the top spot in May, Donnarumma was cautious. "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," he replied.
"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 league, City fans can look forward to upcoming fixtures that will test the squad’s depth and resolve. The Carabao Cup third‑round clash against Norwich City is scheduled for Thursday night at 8 pm, followed by a Premier League showdown with Sunderland on Super Sunday, kicking off at 2 pm. These matches will provide further opportunities for the leadership quartet and the new signings to cement their places and demonstrate the collective ambition that Donnarumma and his teammates have vocalised. In summary, Donnarumma’s message is unequivocal: Manchester City are not in a period of rebuilding; they are poised for a season of contention on all fronts.
The blend of seasoned leaders, emerging talents, and a clear winning ethos suggests that the club is ready to chase every trophy on offer, regardless of the challenges posed by rivals such as Arsenal. The coming months will reveal whether this confidence translates into silverware, but the goalkeeper’s confidence and the squad’s early performances provide a strong foundation for what could be a memorable campaign.