Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian shot‑stopper who recently joined Manchester City, was still riding the high of the derby win when he spoke to Sky Sports at the club's training complex. The Manchester Derby, which saw City edge out their rivals in a tightly contested match, left a lasting impression on the goalkeeper. While the controversial late winner from Erling Haaland sparked debate, Donnarumma was more focused on the overall team performance and the resilience they displayed, especially after Phil Foden’s harsh red card early in the game. "This is who we are.
This is our team. This is City," he said, underscoring the collective identity that defines the squad. He praised his teammates for a "sublime" display, highlighting their ability to stay composed under pressure and to respond positively to adversity.
"The capacity to stay in the game and to react to difficult moments – no one can take that away from us," Donnarumma added, emphasizing the mental toughness that has become a hallmark of the club. He also spoke about the deep sense of responsibility he feels wearing the City shirt. "We will give everything for this shirt, for this club that gives us so much and offers us so much great support. It has a great history, and we need to give a lot back to it," he explained, reflecting the reverence many players have for Manchester City’s recent era of dominance.
The victory came at a crucial juncture. City entered the international break with a perfect record, a rare feat given the departure of several key figures from Pep Guardiola’s long‑running regime, including Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. Those exits could have signaled a dip in form, but the team has managed to maintain a high standard, even if certain aspects of their play still need refinement.
Donnarumma himself admitted that, despite a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era, there is “still lots to learn.” When asked about the notion of a "transition" season, Donnarumma dismissed the term. "I don’t really like the word ‘transition.’ 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 said.
His words echo the club’s ambition to continue adding trophies to its cabinet, regardless of any roster changes. The goalkeeper also highlighted the importance of a winning mentality. "We could reach the end of the season having won something, or having won nothing. But what’s important is having a winning mentality, going out there and trying to win everything we possibly can," he asserted.
This mindset, he noted, is reinforced by a newly formed leadership group that includes him, defender Ruben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and centre‑back Marc Guehi. All four have a proven track record of lifting silverware at City and elsewhere, providing a solid foundation for the squad’s aspirations. As younger talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye settle into the first team, the leadership quartet is tasked with maintaining high standards and guiding the newcomers. Donnarumma explained, "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 objectives, according to Donnarumma, are clear: compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. He warned that City’s depth and quality mean “anything is possible,” yet he also recognized that Arsenal remains a formidable obstacle.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners also opened the campaign with four straight league wins before a slip‑up against Brighton, and they have the psychological edge of having edged City out for the Premier League title in the previous season’s closing stages. Reflecting on that disappointment, Donnarumma recalled the emotional moments captured in the recent Guardiola documentary, where City players looked dejected after a loss to Bournemouth handed the title to Arsenal. "It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not on your own," he said.
"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." He stressed the necessity of approaching each match with a win‑or‑die attitude. "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," he affirmed.
When asked whether City and Arsenal will again be the duelling forces at the top when the season concludes, Donnarumma was cautious. "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," he admitted, reminding everyone that early season form does not guarantee final standings.
Nevertheless, he reiterated that the focus must remain on preparation and consistency. "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," he concluded. In summary, Donnarumma’s message to fans and teammates alike is one of confidence tempered with humility.
The goalkeeper believes City possess the talent, the leadership and the hunger to challenge for every major honour, but he also acknowledges the competitive landscape of English and European football. As the season unfolds, the blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars will be tested across domestic and continental battles, and the true measure of City’s ambitions will be seen in how they respond to the inevitable highs and lows of a campaign that promises to be anything but ordinary.