Gianluigi Donnarumma still feels the afterglow of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph as he sits in the club’s training complex, reflecting on the performance that secured a hard‑won victory. While the winning goal from Erling Haaland sparked debate among fans, Donnarumma’s thoughts drifted elsewhere; he was more concerned about the early dismissal of Phil Foden, who he felt was sent off too harshly. Yet, despite being a man down and facing a series of adverse moments, City displayed resilience and emerged victorious. "I loved my teammates' performance; it was sublime," Donnarumma told Sky Sports.
"The ability to stay in the game, to respond to difficult periods – no one can take that away from us. We will give everything for this shirt, for this club that gives us so much and offers us great support. It has a rich history, and we need to give a lot back to it." The win was particularly significant because City entered the match with a perfect record this season, a feat that seemed increasingly fragile as the international break approached. The club had already lost three key figures from the Guardiola era—Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri—raising questions about whether the team could maintain its dominance without those pillars.
Although City have shown occasional lapses and Donnarumma admits there is still much to learn even after a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era, the club has always framed this campaign as a period of transition. "I don’t really like the word ‘transition,’" he added. "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 emphasized that the season could end either with trophies or without, but the essential factor is a winning mentality that drives the squad to pursue every possible prize. This mindset is reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group that includes Donnarumma, defender Ruben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and centre‑back Marc Guehi. All four have a history of lifting silverware both at City and elsewhere, and they are now tasked with guiding newer arrivals such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye.
"We’ve changed a few players. A few new ones have arrived," Donnarumma explained. "They’re all top‑class athletes accustomed to the biggest stages, to handling pressure and to playing in the Premier League. It isn’t easy at first when you join a new club, a new city, a new organisation, 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 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, according to Donnarumma, the biggest obstacle to a double or treble this season is Arsenal, who also began the campaign with four straight league wins before stumbling against Brighton. Arsenal’s recent psychological boost—having edged City out for the Premier League title in the previous season’s finale—adds an extra layer of rivalry.
The documentary on Pep Guardiola highlighted the disappointment that fell over the squad after a slip‑up at Bournemouth, a match that handed the title to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had celebrated league triumphs in each of the five seasons before that disappointment, recalled the feeling of collective let‑down.
"It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not alone," 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 importance of approaching every match with the intention to win, acknowledging that the club’s storied past demands relentless effort. "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," Donnarumma asserted.
When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again be the two teams battling for the top spot in May, the Italian goalkeeper shrugged. "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," he replied, underscoring the uncertainty that still hangs over the campaign. For now, the focus remains 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," Donnarumma concluded. The message from City is unmistakable: the squad is eager to prove that, despite personnel changes and the departure of long‑standing leaders, the club remains a powerhouse intent on adding more chapters to its illustrious history.
As the season unfolds, fans will watch closely to see if the blend of seasoned leaders and fresh talent can translate ambition into silverware, and whether the rivalry with Arsenal will intensify or fade as the league progresses.