Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper for Manchester City, is still riding the high from the recent Manchester Derby triumph. Sitting in the club’s training complex, he reflects not on Erling Haaland’s controversial last‑minute goal, but on the collective grit his side displayed, especially after Phil Foden’s harsh red card. "We were a man down, everything seemed against us, yet we showed real character and came out on top," Donnarumma told Sky Sports.
He praised his teammates’ display, calling it "sublime" and highlighting their ability to stay composed under pressure. "No one can take that resilience away from us. We give everything for this shirt and for a club that has given us so much support and boasts a rich history. We must repay that legacy," he added.
Ahead of a long international break, City are eager to preserve their perfect record for the season, even after losing key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. While the team has shown moments of inconsistency, Donnarumma acknowledges that there is still much to learn despite a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era. He is quick to dismiss the label "transition season". "I don’t like that word.
Our aim is simple – to win. The club’s goal is to win, the squad’s goal is to win, and we will give everything we can to make that happen," he affirmed. The goalkeeper also emphasized the importance of a winning mindset, whether the campaign ends in trophies or not.
"What matters is the mentality – going out there and trying to win every single match," he said. This mentality is reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group that includes Donnarumma, defender Ruben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and centre‑back Marc Guehi.
All four have a history of lifting silverware both at City and elsewhere, providing a solid backbone for the younger arrivals. New signings such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to make an immediate impact in what Donnarumma describes as a "non‑transition" year. He noted, "We have brought in a few new players. They are top‑class athletes accustomed to big‑stage pressure and the rigours of the Premier League.
It isn’t easy at first – a new club, a new city – but they are adapting well and we are making sure they feel at home. The existing squad is helping them settle, and I truly believe we are heading for a fantastic season." City’s objectives are clear: compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. Donnarumma warned that nothing is guaranteed and that rivals, especially Arsenal, will be keen to challenge City’s ambitions.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, also began the campaign with four straight league wins before a slip‑up against Brighton, and they enjoyed a psychological boost after edging City out for the Premier League title last May. Reflecting on the disappointment of missing out on the league in the previous season – a season in which City had stumbled at Bournemouth and allowed Arsenal to clinch the crown – Donnarumma said, "It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life.
You’re never alone; there are other strong teams, particularly in the Premier League. Disappointment is part of the game, but it’s also a reminder that other clubs can rise, just as we see in the Champions League." He stressed the need to approach each match with the intention to win. "Our objective will always be to win, but we must recognise that other teams are also fighting for the same goals. We have to compete, work hard, and do everything possible because the history of this club demands it," he declared.
When asked whether City and Arsenal will again dominate the top of the table by 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 immediate objective. Whether we achieve it in the end will be decided by time." In summary, Donnarumma’s message to fans and teammates alike is one of confidence, responsibility and ambition.
He believes the squad has the quality, leadership and determination to challenge for every honour, and he urges everyone associated with Manchester City to maintain the winning mentality that has defined the club’s recent history. The season is still young, but the foundations are in place for a campaign that could add more chapters to City’s illustrious story.