Gianluigi Donnarumma still feels the buzz from Manchester City's recent derby triumph as he sits in the club's training complex. While the winning goal from Erling Haaland sparked debate, and Phil Foden's early dismissal still irks him, Donnarumma is more focused on the collective resilience his side displayed. "We were a man down, faced adversity, yet we held our nerve and came out on top," he told Sky Sports, praising the squad's determination.
He highlighted the quality of his teammates' display, calling it "sublime" and emphasizing the importance of staying composed during tough periods. "No one can take that from us," he added, noting the pride he feels wearing the famous shirt and representing a club that offers tremendous support and boasts a rich heritage. "We owe a lot back to this history." City entered the international break with an unbeaten record, a rare feat given the recent 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 is still much to learn, even after a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca tenure. He is reluctant to label the campaign a "transition" season.
"I don't like that word," he said. "The aim here is simple: win. This club wants to win, the players want to win, and we will give everything we have to make that happen." The goalkeeper also spoke about the club's mindset: whether the season ends with trophies or without, the crucial factor is maintaining a winning mentality and fighting for every possible prize. This attitude is reinforced by a newly formed leadership group that now includes Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi.
All four have accumulated silverware both at City and elsewhere, providing a seasoned core to guide newcomers. Speaking of the new arrivals, Donnarumma noted that several fresh faces—Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Ilimian Ndiaye among them—have joined a side that no longer claims to be in a rebuilding phase. "We've added a few players, all of them top‑class and accustomed to big‑stage pressure," he explained.
"Adjusting to a new club, a new city, a new system is never easy, but they're settling in well, and the existing squad is helping them feel at home. I truly believe we are on track for a fantastic season." The objectives are crystal clear: compete for every trophy on offer, be it the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup or the League Cup. City wants to send a strong message that they are still a force capable of challenging any opponent. Yet, according to Donnarumma, the most immediate obstacle in the title race is Arsenal, who have also opened the campaign with five straight victories and recently edged City out for the Premier League trophy last May.
He recalled the disappointment captured in the recent Guardiola documentary, where City players looked dejected after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the league to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had lifted the Premier League trophy in each of the five seasons before that loss, admitted the feeling was painful. "It's tough, but that's football, that's life. You never face it alone," he said.
"There are other strong teams, both domestically and in Europe. If we don't win, disappointment follows, but that's part of the game." The Italian keeper stressed the need to approach every match with the intention to win. "Our goal is to win, but we must recognise other clubs are equally determined. We have to work hard, compete fiercely, and give everything because the club's history demands it," he asserted.
When asked whether City and Arsenal will again dominate the top of the table in May, Donnarumma was cautious. "I don't know. We're only four games in," he replied, underscoring that the season is still in its early stages.
"Our focus must be on each game, on trying to win every single one. Whether we achieve the ultimate goal will be decided in time." Fans can look forward to watching City take on Norwich City in the Carabao Cup third round on Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by a Premier League clash with Sunderland on Super Sunday, kicking off at 2 p.m. The upcoming fixtures will provide further opportunities for the squad to cement their winning mentality and demonstrate why they consider this season anything but a transitional period.