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 the performance that saw the team overcome adversity and secure a hard‑won victory. While the controversial last‑minute winner from Erling Haaland draws most of the headlines, Donnarumma is more focused on the collective resilience his teammates displayed, especially after the early dismissal of Phil Foden, which he described as "harsh". "I loved my teammates' performance, it was sublime," the Italian goalkeeper told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the game, to respond to tough moments – no one can take that away from us." He went on to stress the deep sense of duty he feels toward the sky‑blue shirt and the club that has given him so much support.
"We give everything for this shirt, for this club that offers us incredible backing. It has a rich history, and we owe a lot back to it," he added. City enter the upcoming international break with an almost flawless domestic record, a rarity given the recent loss of several pillars from Pep Guardiola’s era – Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri all departed in the summer.
Despite the impressive start, Donnanumma admits the side has not been uniformly convincing in every department and that there is still much to learn under the new Enzo Maresca leadership. "I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition’," he said.
"The club’s aim is to win, and this team’s aim is to win. We’ll 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. That mindset is being reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group in which Donnarumma now sits alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi.
All four have amassed silverware both at City and elsewhere, giving them the experience needed to guide younger arrivals. As promising talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye begin to settle into the squad, the leadership quartet is tasked with upholding standards in what the club insists is not a rebuilding year but a campaign aimed at immediate success. "We’ve changed a few players. A few new ones have arrived," Donnarumma explained.
"They’re top‑class athletes accustomed to the biggest stages, handling pressure and competing in the Premier League." He acknowledged the challenges that come with moving to a new city, a new organisation and a new set of expectations, but praised the existing squad for helping the newcomers adapt quickly. "They’re adapting well, and we’re making them feel comfortable," he said.
"The players who were already here are supporting them a lot. I think we’re going to have a great season." The ultimate goal, according to Donnarumma, is to stay in contention for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League and both domestic cups. This ambition serves as a clear warning to rivals that City are ready to fight for everything.
One particular opponent looms large in the goalkeeper’s mind: Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side also opened the season with four straight league wins before a slip‑up against Brighton, and they enjoyed a psychological boost after edging City out of the Premier League title race last May.
The recent Guardiola documentary captured the disappointment of City players after a loss to Bournemouth that handed the title to the Gunners, a moment that still resonates with Donnarumma, who had collected five consecutive league crowns before that setback. "It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not alone," he reflected. "There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League." He stressed that disappointment is inevitable, but it should fuel the drive to compete.
"It’s not that if you don’t win there isn’t disappointment – of course there is – but there are other teams as well, just like in the Champions League. It’s important to go into every game trying to win it.
Our objective will be to win, but there are other teams too." Donnarumma underscored the club’s historic expectations, noting that the legacy of Manchester City demands relentless effort. "You have to compete, you have to work, and you have to do everything possible because the history of this club demands it," he said. When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again be the two teams battling for the top spot in May, the goalkeeper admitted uncertainty. "I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season," he replied, but he was clear about the immediate focus. "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 is simple: Manchester City are not in a period of transition; they are poised for a season of ambition, guided by experienced leaders and bolstered by fresh talent ready to make an impact.
The club’s history, the expectations of its supporters, and the competitive landscape of English and European football all combine to set the stage for what could be a memorable campaign.