Gianluigi Donnarumma, perched on the training pitch at Manchester City’s Etihad complex, is still riding the high of the recent Manchester Derby triumph. While the dramatic late winner from Erling Haaland continues to dominate headlines, the Italian goalkeeper’s thoughts drift elsewhere – particularly to the earlier incident when Phil Foden was shown a harsh red card. For Donnarumma, the narrative is simple: despite being a man down and facing adversity, City displayed resilience and secured the win.
"I adored the way my teammates performed – it was absolutely brilliant," Donnarumma told Sky Sports. "Their ability to stay in the contest, to respond to tough moments, is something no one can take away from us. We give everything for this shirt, for this club that gives us so much support and boasts a rich history. We owe it a lot in return." With the international break looming, few expected City to maintain a flawless record, especially after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s golden era – Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri.
The side has shown occasional lapses, and even Donnarumma admits there is still much to learn despite the immaculate start to the Enzo Maresca era. Yet, the club insists this is not a "transition" season. "I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition,’" he added. "The club’s goal is to win, and this team’s goal is the same.
We’ll give everything we can to achieve that. Whether we finish the campaign with trophies or not, what matters is the winning mentality – going out there and trying to claim every possible prize." Part of that winning mindset is being nurtured by a newly‑formed leadership group that has taken the place of the departing veterans.
Donnarumma now shares the captaincy duties with Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi. All four have a wealth of experience, having lifted trophies both at City and elsewhere, and they are tasked with setting standards for the younger arrivals. Young talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to make an immediate impact in what the club describes as a non‑transition year. Donnarumma explained how the newcomers are integrating: "We’ve brought in a few new players – all top‑class athletes accustomed to big‑stage pressure and the rigours of the Premier League.
It’s never easy moving to a new club, a new city, a new organisation, but they’re adapting well and we’re doing everything to make them feel at home. The existing squad is helping them a lot, and I truly believe we’re heading for a great season." The ambition is clear: compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League and the two domestic cups. City’s leadership quartet wants to send a message that nothing is off‑limits. Yet, one rival looms large in Donnarumma’s mind when he envisions a Premier League and Champions League showdown: Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side also opened the campaign with four straight league victories before stumbling against Brighton, and they carry the psychological edge of having edged City out for the Premier League title last May. The recent Guardiola documentary highlighted the disappointment felt by City players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the title to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had collected the league crown in each of the five seasons preceding that loss, 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. Disappointment is inevitable when you don’t win, but it’s part of the game, just as in the Champions League.
We must approach every match with the intention to win. Our objective is to win, but we know there are other teams that will fight for the same prizes." He emphasized the importance of effort and history: "You have to compete, you have to work, and you have to do everything possible because the club’s history demands it." When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again be the two teams battling for the top spot in May, Donnarumma was cautious. "I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season," he admitted. "Our focus right now is on working hard and trying to win every game.
That’s our objective. Whether we achieve it in the end or not, only time will tell." In summary, Donnarumma’s message is one of confidence and responsibility. He acknowledges the challenges of integrating new players, the need for continuous improvement, and the fierce competition from rivals like Arsenal. Yet, he remains convinced that with the right mindset, leadership, and collective effort, Manchester City can look forward to a season filled with silverware and memorable moments.