Gianluigi Donnarumma still feels the after‑glow of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph as he sits in the club’s training complex. While the winning goal from Erling Haaland sparked debate and Phil Foden’s early dismissal still irks him, the goalkeeper is more focused on the collective spirit his teammates displayed.
"We were a man down, the odds were against us, yet we showed real character and came out on top," he told Sky Sports. The Italian keeper praised his colleagues, calling their performance "sublime" and highlighting the squad’s ability to stay composed and respond to adversity. "No one can take away the fact that we fought for every minute, for this shirt, for a club that gives us so much support and boasts a rich history.
We owe it to the fans and the legacy to give back as much as we can," he added. City entered the international break with an unbeaten record, a feat made more impressive after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era – Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. Though the team has shown flashes of brilliance, Donnarumma admits there are still areas that need refinement.
"We’re still learning, even after such a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era. I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition.’ The club’s goal is simple: win. The squad’s goal is the same.
We’ll give everything we have to achieve it," he explained. He stressed that the season could end with trophies or with nothing at all, but the essential factor is maintaining a winning mindset. "It’s about going out there and trying to win every single match. That mentality drives us," Donnarumma said.
A new leadership group has emerged at City, with the goalkeeper sitting alongside veteran centre‑back Ruben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and defender Marc Guehi. All four have lifted silverware both at Manchester City and elsewhere, providing a wealth of experience for younger arrivals such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye. "We’ve brought in a few new faces, all of them top‑class players accustomed to big‑stage pressure and Premier League rigour.
Adjusting to a new club, a new city, isn’t easy, but they’re settling in nicely and we’re doing everything to make them feel at home," Donnarumma noted. He believes the existing squad is helping the newcomers integrate, and that the combined effort will propel City toward a "great season" where they compete on all fronts – the Premier League, the Champions League and the two domestic cups. The message is clear: City refuses to be seen as a side in transition; they intend to fight for every trophy. One obstacle that looms large is Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side also began the campaign with four straight league victories before a slip‑up against Brighton, and they enjoyed a psychological boost after edging City out of the Premier League title race last May. The recent Guardiola documentary captured the disappointment of City players after a loss to Bournemouth that handed the title to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had been part of five consecutive league‑winning campaigns, reflected on that setback: "It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life. You’re never alone – there are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.
Disappointment is inevitable, but it’s part of the game." He emphasized the need to approach each match with the intention to win, acknowledging that other clubs will also be fighting for the same honours. "You have to compete, work hard, and do everything possible because the club’s history demands it," he asserted. When asked whether City and Arsenal will again be the duelling forces at the top in May, Donnarumma shrugged, "I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season." He underlined that the immediate focus must remain on preparation and winning each game. "Our objective is to work hard and aim to win every match. Whether we achieve that by the end of the season will only be revealed with time," he concluded. The goalkeeper’s remarks paint a picture of a Manchester City side that, despite personnel changes, is determined to uphold its winning tradition.
With a refreshed leadership core, a blend of seasoned stars and promising newcomers, and an unwavering commitment to a victory‑first attitude, the club aims to make the upcoming months a showcase of consistency, resilience and ambition. The season is still young, but the foundations laid by Donnarumma and his fellow leaders suggest that City are ready to challenge for every piece of silverware on offer, regardless of whether the term "transition" is ever used again.