Gianluigi Donnarumma still feels the after‑glow of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph as he sits in the club’s training complex, reflecting on a performance that, in his words, epitomised the team’s identity. “This is who we are.
This is our team. This is City,” he told Sky Sports, underscoring a collective spirit that has become synonymous with the club’s recent history. While the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s late winner continues to dominate headlines, Donnanuma’s attention is drawn elsewhere.
He remains slightly irked by the harsh red card shown to Phil Foden earlier in the match, but what truly satisfied him was the way the squad responded when the odds were stacked against them. A man down, a flurry of setbacks, yet the side displayed resilience and clinched a hard‑earned victory. “The quality of my teammates’ display was sublime,” the Italian goalkeeper said. “The ability to stay in the contest, to react to adversity – no one can strip that from us.” He added that every player is driven by a deep‑seated loyalty to the club’s badge, a badge that has offered them immense support and a storied legacy.
“We owe a great deal back to this history, and we’ll give everything for this shirt and for this institution.” City entered the international break with an almost perfect record, a rare feat considering the departure of several stalwarts from Pep Guardiola’s era—Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri among them. The squad has shown occasional lapses, and Donnarumma himself admits there is still much to learn even after such a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca‑era. Yet, he is quick to dismiss the notion that this campaign is merely a period of transition.
“I’m not fond of the word ‘transition,’” he explained. “The club’s aim is to win. This team’s aim is to win. We’ll do whatever it takes to achieve that.” He emphasized that the season could end in triumph or disappointment, but what matters most is maintaining a winning mentality and striving for success in every competition.
That winning mindset is being reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group in which Donnarumma now plays a pivotal role. Alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi, he forms a quartet of experienced winners who have lifted trophies both at City and elsewhere. Their combined experience is intended to guide younger arrivals such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye, who are expected to make an immediate impact despite the club’s claim of being in a non‑transition year. “We’ve refreshed a few positions and added new talent,” Donnarumma noted.
“These are top‑class players accustomed to the biggest stages, to handling pressure and to competing in the Premier League.” He acknowledged the challenges newcomers face when settling into a new city, a new organisation and a new set of expectations, but praised the existing squad for helping them feel at home. “The veterans are supporting them a lot, and I’m confident we’ll have a fantastic season.” The objectives are crystal clear: chase every trophy on offer. The Premier League remains the primary target, but the Champions League and the two domestic cups are also within striking distance.
City’s leadership wants to send a message that nothing is off‑limits when the squad is firing on all cylinders. One of the biggest obstacles on that road, according to Donnarumma, is Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side also began the campaign with four straight league wins before stumbling against Brighton, and they have the psychological edge of having edged City out for the Premier League title last May. The recent Guardiola documentary captured the disappointment on City’s faces after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the Gunners the crown, a moment that still lingers for Donnarumma, who had enjoyed five consecutive league titles before that season. “It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life,” he reflected.
“You’re not alone. There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.” He stressed that disappointment is inevitable, but it should fuel determination rather than resignation. “Every match must be approached with the intention to win.
Our goal is to win, but we must recognise there are other teams capable of doing the same.” He reminded everyone that the club’s illustrious history demands relentless effort. “You have to compete, you have to work, you have to give everything because the history of this club requires it.” When asked whether City and Arsenal will be the duelling forces at the top again in May, Donnarumma was cautious. “I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season,” he said, before reaffirming the immediate focus. “The priority now is to work hard and aim to win each game.
That’s our objective. Whether we achieve it in the end will be decided by time,” he concluded. As the season unfolds, Manchester City’s leadership group, anchored by Donnarumma’s calm authority, will be tasked with translating ambition into silverware, while navigating the challenges posed by rivals, injuries and the inevitable pressures of a club that expects nothing less than triumph.