Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian custodian who has become a central figure at Manchester City, recently reflected on the team’s identity and ambitions after their dramatic Manchester Derby triumph. While the victory sparked endless debate over Erling Haaland’s contentious winner and left Phil Foden’s early dismissal a sore point, Donnarumma chose to focus on something deeper: the collective character of the squad. "This is who we are. This is our team.
This is City," he told Sky Sports, emphasizing that the club’s essence goes beyond any single moment. The goalkeeper praised his teammates for a performance he described as "sublime," noting their capacity to stay resilient under pressure and to respond to adversity with composure. "No one can take that away from us," he added, underscoring the mental toughness that has become a hallmark of the side.
He also spoke about the privilege of wearing the sky‑blue shirt, acknowledging the club’s storied history and the massive support it receives from fans worldwide. "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," Donnarumma said, highlighting the mutual responsibility between players and supporters.
As the season progresses toward a lengthy international break, City find themselves in a rare position: they have maintained an unbeaten record despite the departure of several key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era, including Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. The loss of such experienced players could have signalled a period of rebuilding, yet the squad has continued to deliver results, suggesting that the transition narrative may be overstated.
Even Donnarumma, who has already tasted success at the highest level, admitted that there is still much to learn. He praised the start to the Enzo Maresca era but cautioned against complacency.
"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 explained, reinforcing the idea that the club’s ambition remains unchanged. The goalkeeper’s comments came alongside a broader message from Sky Sports, urging fans to stay connected via WhatsApp for the latest updates, videos, and analysis.
Donnarumma’s focus on a winning mentality resonated throughout his interview. "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. Leadership at the Etihad has also evolved.
Donnarumma now sits within a newly‑formed leadership group that includes veteran defender Ruben Dias, prolific striker Erling Haaland, and versatile centre‑back Marc Guehi. All four have amassed trophies both with City and at previous clubs, giving them a wealth of experience to guide newer arrivals. Young talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to make an immediate impact, even though the season is being framed as a "non‑transition" year. Donnarumma spoke about the integration process for these newcomers: "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 ultimate goal, according to Donnarumma, is to compete on all fronts: the Premier League, the Champions League, and the two domestic cups.
"The objective is to get to the end and compete for everything there is to compete for," he said, signalling that City are not content with merely maintaining their unbeaten run; they aim to add more silverware to the cabinet. One of the primary obstacles on that road is Arsenal, who also began the campaign with a string of league victories before a setback against Brighton.
Arsenal’s recent psychological boost—having edged City out for the Premier League title in the previous season—adds an extra layer of rivalry. Donnarumma recalled the disappointment felt by the squad after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that ultimately handed the title to the Gunners. "It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life.
You’re not on your own," he reflected, acknowledging that setbacks are part of the sport’s fabric. He stressed that disappointment is inevitable, but it should not diminish the club’s drive. "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," Donnarumma explained.
When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again be the two dominant forces by May, the goalkeeper admitted uncertainty. "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," he said, reminding listeners that the campaign is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the present: "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." His measured optimism reflects a squad that respects its heritage while staying grounded in the realities of a highly competitive league.
Fans can catch the next City fixture against Sunderland on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday, with a kickoff scheduled for 2 pm. The broadcast will also feature a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million, underscoring the excitement that surrounds Manchester City’s journey this season.