Gianluigi Donnarumma, still riding the high of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph, sat down at the club’s training complex to reflect on the performance. While the controversial last‑minute goal from Erling Haaland sparked debate, Donnarumma’s thoughts were elsewhere – he was more concerned about Phil Foden’s harsh red card earlier in the match.
Yet, despite being a man down and facing several adverse moments, City displayed resilience and secured the win. "I loved my teammates' performance; it was sublime," Donnarumma told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the game, to react when things get tough – no one can take that away from us. We will give everything for this shirt and for a club that gives us so much support.
The club has a great history, and we must repay that legacy." With the international break looming, few expected City to maintain a perfect record, especially after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era – Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. The squad has shown flashes of brilliance but also moments that reveal room for improvement. Donnarumma himself admitted that, despite a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era, there is still much to learn. "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 with nothing, but what truly matters is maintaining a winning mentality and striving to win every possible competition.
As part of a newly formed leadership group that replaces the departing veterans, Donnarumma now shares the captaincy responsibilities with Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi. All four have extensive experience of lifting trophies at City and elsewhere, providing a solid foundation for the younger players arriving this campaign. New signings such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to make an immediate impact.
Donnarumma praised their integration, noting that they are accustomed to playing on big stages and handling the pressures of Premier League football. "It isn’t easy at first when you move to a new club, a new city, a new organisation.
But they are adapting well, and we are doing everything to make them feel comfortable," he said. "The existing squad is helping a lot, and I believe we are heading for a great season." The ambition is clear: compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
City’s leadership quartet is tasked with setting the standards and ensuring that the squad remains focused on these goals. One of the main obstacles in the title race is Arsenal, who also began the season with four straight league victories before a slip‑up against Brighton. The Gunners enjoy a psychological edge after edging City out for the Premier League title in the previous season, a disappointment captured in the recent Guardiola documentary where City players, including Donnarumma, expressed frustration after a loss to Bournemouth that handed the title to Arsenal.
Reflecting on that setback, Donnar Zuma said, "It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not alone – there are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.
Disappointment is part of the game, but it’s also true in the Champions League. We have to go into every match aiming to win.
Our objective is to win, but we must respect the competition." When asked whether City and Arsenal will be the two dominant forces again in May, the goalkeeper admitted uncertainty. "I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season," he replied. "Our focus now is to work hard and try to win every game. Whether we achieve that in the end or not, only time will tell." Donnarumma’s confidence in the squad’s depth and character is evident. He highlighted the importance of the leadership group in guiding the newcomers, fostering a winning culture, and honoring the club’s storied past.
The message to rivals is unmistakable: Manchester City is not in a period of rebuilding; they are primed for a season of ambition and success. Fans can catch the next fixture, Manchester City versus Sunderland, on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday, with a kickoff at 2 pm.
The club’s supporters are encouraged to stay engaged via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and analysis, and to try their luck in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million.