Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper who has become a central figure at Manchester City, was still riding the high of the recent Manchester Derby win when he sat down for an interview at the club's training complex. While the headline‑grabbing late winner from Erling Haaland drew most of the post‑match chatter, Donnarumma’s thoughts drifted elsewhere. He was more concerned about the harsh red card shown to Phil Foden earlier in the game and, more importantly, about the character his teammates displayed when the odds were stacked against them. "This is who we are.
This is our team. This is City," he said, echoing the club’s mantra. He praised the collective effort, describing it as "sublime" and highlighting the squad’s ability to stay composed under pressure and to respond positively to setbacks. "No one can take that away from us," Donnarumma added, underscoring the resilience that has become a hallmark of the City side.
He also spoke about the deep sense of responsibility he feels wearing the famous sky‑blue 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 told Sky Sports, reminding fans that the badge carries a legacy of success that every player is expected to honour. The victory came at a time when many pundits were questioning whether City could maintain a perfect record this season, especially with the looming international break and the recent departure of several key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era – notably Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. Those exits sparked speculation that the club might be entering a rebuilding phase, but Donnarumma was quick to dismiss the notion of a "transition" season. "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." For Donnarumma, the focus is not on labels but on the relentless pursuit of trophies. He warned that the season could end with silverware or with nothing at all, but the crucial factor, in his view, is maintaining a winning mentality and striving to win every possible competition.
His comments reflect a broader shift in the dressing‑room hierarchy. Donnarumma has been named to a newly formed leadership group that replaces the departing veterans. Alongside him sit Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi – four players who have already collected major honours at City and elsewhere. This quartet is tasked with setting standards for the newer arrivals, such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye, who are expected to make an immediate impact despite the club’s claim that this is not a transition year.
"We've changed a few players. A few new ones have arrived," Donnarumma explained. "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." He outlined the club’s ambitions with crystal‑clear clarity: the goal is to compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. By setting such a high bar, City sends a warning to rivals that they will not settle for anything less than total domination.
One of the most immediate challengers, according to Donnarumma, is Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side also began the campaign with a perfect run of four league wins before stumbling against Brighton, and they enjoyed the psychological boost of edging City out for the Premier League title in the previous season’s closing weeks.
The recent documentary on Guardiola’s tenure captured the disappointment of City players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the title to the Gunners, a moment that left Donnarumma, who had collected five consecutive league crowns, visibly unsettled. "It's difficult, but that's football, that's life. You're not on your own," he reflected on that disappointment. "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 said, reminding everyone that the campaign is still in its infancy.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the immediate priority is to focus on each match, to work hard, and to aim for victory in every fixture. "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 is one of confidence, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to success. He rejects the idea of a transitional period, insists that the club’s sole aim is to win, and highlights the role of the new leadership group in guiding both seasoned stars and fresh faces.
With a blend of experienced winners and promising newcomers, Manchester City is positioning itself for what Donnarumma believes could be a truly great season, even as they prepare to face stiff competition from Arsenal and other Premier League heavyweights.