Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper who recently joined Manchester City, is still riding the high of the dramatic Manchester Derby win as he sits in the club’s training complex. While the winning goal – a contentious finish by Erling Haaland – still sparks debate among fans, Donnarumma’s thoughts are focused elsewhere.
He remains slightly irritated by the harsh red card shown to Phil Foden earlier in the match, but his primary satisfaction comes from the way his teammates responded when the odds were stacked against them. "I loved my teammates' performance, it was sublime," Donnarumma told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the game, to bounce back from tough moments – no one can take that away from us. We will give everything for this shirt, for this club that gives us so much and enjoys such strong support.
It has a great history, and we need to give a lot back to it." The victory was particularly significant because City entered the game with a perfect record for the season, a feat that seemed increasingly unlikely as the international break approached and key figures from Pep Guardiola’s successful era – Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri – departed. Although the team has shown flashes of brilliance, Donnanumma admits there are still areas that need refinement, even after a seemingly flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era. "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 stressed that the season could end either with trophies or with nothing at all, but what truly matters is maintaining a winning mindset and striving to win every possible competition.
That mentality is being reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group that includes Donnarumma, defender Rúben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and centre‑back Marc Guehi. All four have already collected major honours at City and elsewhere, giving them the experience needed to guide newer arrivals.
As promising talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye settle into the squad, the leadership quartet is tasked with setting standards in what Donnarumma describes as a "non‑transition" year. "We’ve changed a few players. A few new ones have arrived," he said.
"They’re all top‑class athletes used to playing on the biggest stages, handling pressure and competing in the Premier League. It’s not easy at first when you move to a new club, a new city, a new organisation, 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 collective 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 still believes anything is possible. Yet, when Donnarumma talks about the challenge of winning the league and Europe, one opponent looms large: Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side also began the campaign with four straight league victories before a setback against Brighton, and they enjoyed a psychological boost after edging City to the Premier League title last May. The recent Guardiola documentary captured moments of disappointment when City slipped up against Bournemouth, handing the Gunners the championship. Donnarumma, who had been part of the squad that won the league five consecutive times before that loss, reflected on the feeling: "It’s difficult, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re not alone.
There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League. 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." He emphasized the importance of approaching each match with the intention to win: "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." When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again be the two clubs battling for the top spot in May, Donnarumma was cautious. "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season," he said, before adding, "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." Beyond the on‑field tactics, Donnarumma highlighted the broader cultural shift within the club. The leadership group is not just about giving speeches; it’s about fostering a supportive environment for newcomers, ensuring they understand the club’s values, and helping them integrate into the city’s fabric. He noted that the new players are accustomed to high‑pressure environments, having featured in European finals and international tournaments, which should smooth their adaptation to the Premier League’s intensity.
Moreover, Donnarumma spoke about the importance of mental resilience. The Derby win, achieved while playing with ten men, showcased the squad’s capacity to thrive under adversity. He believes that this mental toughness will be essential when facing clubs with deep squads and tactical flexibility, such as Liverpool, Chelsea, and of course Arsenal. In summary, Donnarumma’s message to fans and teammates alike is clear: Manchester City is not in a rebuilding phase but in a period of consolidation and ambition.
The club’s heritage, the experience of its leaders, and the fresh talent arriving on the roster all combine to set the stage for what could be a remarkable season. As the campaign unfolds, the true test will be whether the team can translate this confidence and unity into silverware across all competitions.