Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper for Manchester City, remains on a high after the recent Manchester Derby triumph. While the match featured Erling Haaland's contentious winner and a harsh red card for Phil Foden, Donnarumma’s focus lies elsewhere. He praised his teammates for their resilience, noting that despite being a man down and facing numerous setbacks, the side displayed true character and secured the victory. "I adored the way my teammates performed – it was extraordinary," he told Sky Sports.
"Their ability to stay in the contest and respond to tough moments is something no one can strip from us. We will give everything for this shirt and for a club that offers us so much support and boasts a remarkable history.
We owe a great deal back to it." The win helped City maintain an unbeaten record heading into the upcoming international break, a notable achievement given the recent departures of long‑term stalwarts such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri, who were integral to Pep Guardiola’s most successful era. Although the team has shown occasional lapses, Donnarumma acknowledged that there is still plenty to learn even after a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era.
He emphasized that the term "transition" does not fully capture the club’s ambitions. "I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition,’" he said.
"The club’s goal is to win, and this squad’s goal is the same. We will pour everything we have into achieving that. Whether we finish the season with trophies or not, what matters is maintaining a winning mentality and striving to win every possible competition." Donnarumma has taken on a leadership role within a newly‑formed group 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 collective experience is intended to guide newer arrivals such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye, who are expected to make an immediate impact in what the club insists is not a rebuilding year. "We have brought in a few new players," Donnarumma explained.
"They are all top‑class athletes accustomed to performing on the biggest stages and handling the pressures of Premier League football. Adjusting to a new club, a new city and a new organisation is never easy, but they are settling in well 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 believe we are on track for a fantastic season." The objective, according to the goalkeeper, is to compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League and both domestic cups. City’s message to rivals is clear: nothing is off the table. However, the primary obstacle to a double‑title challenge, according to Donnarumma, is Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side also began 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 in the previous season’s finale. The recent documentary on Guardiola captured the disappointment of City players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the title to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had enjoyed five consecutive league crowns before that setback, reflected on the experience.
"It’s tough, but that’s football and that’s life. You’re never 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 it is in the Champions League.
The key is to approach every match with the intention to win. Our aim is to win, but we must remember there are other quality sides out there." He stressed the importance of hard work, competition and honoring the club’s storied legacy. When asked whether City and Arsenal will once 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 to work hard and try to win every game. That is our immediate objective.
Whether we achieve it in the end will be decided by time." Beyond the immediate challenges, Donnarumma highlighted the broader context of the season. The squad’s depth, the integration of young talent, and the strategic vision under manager Enzo Maresca are all factors that could shape a campaign that exceeds expectations. The leadership group’s role is not only to motivate on the pitch but also to mentor newcomers, ensuring that the club’s high standards are maintained across training sessions, match days and off‑field responsibilities. In summary, Donnarumma’s message is one of confidence and determination.
Manchester City aims to defend its reputation, chase silverware on all fronts, and prove that the departure of several key figures does not signal a period of decline. Instead, the club is poised to embark on a season defined by ambition, unity and an unwavering belief that success is within reach.