Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian shot‑stopper who has quickly become a vocal leader at Manchester City, is still riding the high of the recent Manchester Derby triumph. Sitting in the club's training complex, he reflects not on Erling Haaland's contentious winner or the earlier red card shown to Phil Foden, but on the collective resilience his side displayed when they were reduced to ten men and faced a cascade of setbacks.
"I was thrilled by how my teammates performed – it was absolutely superb," Donnarumma told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the contest, to respond to adversity, that’s something you can’t take away from us. We give everything for this shirt and for a club that offers us so much support and boasts such a rich history. We owe a great deal back to it." City entered the international break with an unbeaten record, a rare feat given the loss of several stalwarts from Pep Guardiola’s long‑running era – namely Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri.
While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, Donnarumma admits there are still areas that require refinement, even after a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era. "I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition’," he added.
"The club’s aim is to win, and this squad’s aim is the same. We will throw everything we have at achieving that goal." He emphasised that the season could end either with trophies or with nothing at all, but what truly matters is maintaining a winning mentality and striving to secure every possible prize.
A key element of that mentality is the newly‑formed leadership group, of which Donnarumma is a central figure. Alongside Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi, the quartet shares a common pedigree: each has lifted silverware both at City and elsewhere, bringing a wealth of experience to the dressing room.
As younger arrivals such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye begin to settle into the squad, they are expected to make an immediate impact in what the club describes as a non‑transition year. Donnarumma explained how the integration process is progressing: "We have brought in a few new players, all of whom are top‑class and accustomed to performing on big stages and handling the pressures of the Premier League. It’s never easy moving to a new club, a new city, a new organisation, but they are adapting well and we are doing everything we can to make them feel at home.
The existing players are helping them a great deal, and I truly believe we are set for an excellent season." The ambition is clear: to fight for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League, and the two domestic cups. This ambition serves as a warning to rivals that City will not shy away from any challenge. One opponent that looms large in Donnarumma’s mind is 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 captured the disappointment of City players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the title to the Gunners, a moment that left Donnarumma, who had been part of five consecutive title‑winning campaigns, visibly disheartened. "It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life," he said. "You’re not alone – 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 it is in the Champions League. The key is to go into every match with the intention to win. Our objective is to win, but we must recognise there are other teams capable of doing the same.
You have to compete, you have to work, and you have to give everything because the club’s history demands it." When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again be the duelling forces at the top of the table in May, Donnarumma was cautious: "I don’t know. We’re only four games into the season." Nonetheless, he stressed that the immediate focus must be on preparation and winning each game. "Our priority right now is to work hard and aim to win every match. Whether we achieve that in the end will be decided by time." Beyond the tactical and psychological aspects, Donnarumma highlighted the importance of squad depth and the integration of new signings.
He noted that players like Bouaddi and Anderson bring fresh energy and a hunger to prove themselves, which complements the experience of the leadership quartet. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents is designed to sustain City’s high‑pressing, possession‑based style throughout a grueling season that includes domestic cup runs and a demanding Champions League schedule. In summary, Donnarumma’s message is one of confidence tempered with realism. Manchester City may have lost some iconic figures, but the club’s culture of excellence remains intact.
With a strong leadership core, a wave of new talent adapting quickly, and a clear focus on a winning mentality, the team is poised to challenge for all major honours. The upcoming fixtures, particularly clashes with Arsenal and other top‑six rivals, will test their resolve, but the goalkeeper believes that if they maintain their work ethic and collective belief, a memorable season lies ahead.