Gianluigi Donnarumma, perched at Manchester City’s training complex a few days after the dramatic derby triumph, is still riding the wave of excitement. While the contentious last‑minute winner from Erling Haaland continues to generate debate, Donnarumma’s mind is elsewhere – he remains slightly irritated by Phil Foden’s harsh red card earlier in the match, yet his primary focus is the collective resilience his side displayed.
Down to ten men and facing adversity, City showed character and emerged victorious. "I adored the way my teammates performed; it was simply outstanding," he told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the contest, to respond to tough moments – that’s something no one can strip from us. We will give everything for this shirt, for this club that gives us so much and offers us such incredible support.
It has a glorious history, and we owe it a great deal in return." Ahead of the lengthy international break, few expected City to maintain a perfect record this campaign, especially after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era – Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. The squad has shown occasional lapses, and even Donnarumma admits there is still plenty to learn despite the flawless start to the Enzo Maresca tenure. Yet the club has framed the campaign as a transitional one, a label the goalkeeper finds unsatisfactory.
"I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition,’" he continued. "The club’s aim is to win.
This team’s aim is to win. We will certainly lay everything on the line to achieve that.
Whether we finish the season with trophies or without, the crucial factor is maintaining a winning mentality, stepping onto the pitch and striving to claim every possible prize." Donnarumma’s leadership role has expanded as he joins a newly‑formed group of senior players that replaces the departing veterans. Alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi, he forms a quartet of experienced winners who have collected silverware both at City and elsewhere. Their task is to set standards for the incoming talent – Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye – who are expected to make an immediate impact in what the club insists is not a transition year.
"We have introduced a few new faces," Donnarumma explained. "They are all top‑class players accustomed to the biggest stages, capable of handling pressure and thriving in the Premier League. Adjusting to a new club, a new city, a new organisation is never easy, but they are settling in nicely, and we are doing everything we can to make them feel at home.
The existing squad members are helping them a great deal, and I truly believe we are on track for a fantastic season. Our goal is to compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League and the two domestic cups." The message is crystal clear: City believes anything is achievable.
However, a significant obstacle to their ambitions lies in the form of Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side also began the season with four straight league victories before stumbling against Brighton, and they enjoyed a psychological boost after edging City out for the Premier League title last May. The recent Guardiola documentary captured the disappointment of City players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth handed the title to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had enjoyed five consecutive league crowns before that disappointment, reflected on the setback.
"It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not alone in this," he said. "There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League. It’s not that if we don’t win there isn’t disappointment – of course there is – but there are always other clubs capable of challenging us, just as in the Champions League.
It’s vital to approach every match with the intention to win. Our objective will always be to win, but we must recognise the competition. We have to compete, work hard, and do everything possible because the club’s history demands it." Will City and Arsenal once again battle for the top spot in May?
"I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," the Italian goalkeeper admitted.
"Our focus right now must be on working hard and trying to win every single game. That is our objective. Whether we achieve it in the end or not, only time will tell." The season’s narrative is still being written, but Donnarumma’s confidence in the squad’s depth, the leadership group’s experience, and the club’s relentless ambition suggests that Manchester City are poised to fight on all fronts and aim for a memorable campaign.