Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper who has become a central figure at Manchester City, recently reflected on the club’s recent triumph over Liverpool in the Manchester Derby and outlined his vision for the season ahead. Speaking to Sky Sports from the Etihad training complex, Donnarumma emphasized the collective spirit that defines City, noting that the team’s identity is rooted in resilience, determination and an unwavering desire to win. He praised his teammates for their "sublime" performance, highlighting their ability to stay composed under pressure and to respond positively to challenging moments.
The 27‑year‑old keeper recalled how the side managed to secure victory despite being reduced to ten men after Phil Foden’s contentious red card. "We were a man down, everything seemed to be working against us, yet we showed real mettle and came out on top," he said. For Donnarumma, the win was more than just a three‑point gain; it was a statement about the club’s character and its commitment to the fans.
"We give everything for this shirt and for a club that has given us so much support and boasts such a rich history. We owe it to the badge to give back in equal measure," he added.
City entered the international break with an unbeaten record, a rare achievement given the recent departure of several key figures from Pep Guardiola’s era, including Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. While the team has displayed moments of brilliance, Donnarumma admitted there are still areas that need refinement. "We are still learning, even after a flawless start to the Enzo Maresca era," he remarked, acknowledging that the transition narrative often applied to the club does not fully capture its ambitions. "I don’t like the word ‘transition’.
Our objective is simple: we want to win, and we will give everything we can to make that happen." The goalkeeper underscored the importance of a winning mentality, regardless of whether the season ends with trophies or not. "What matters is the mindset – going out there with the intention to win every match and to fight for every piece of silverware we can," he explained.
This ethos is reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group that includes Donnarumma himself, defender Rúben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and defender Marc Guehi. All four have a proven track record of lifting trophies both at City and elsewhere, and they are tasked with guiding a fresh influx of talent.
Among the newcomers are Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye, players who have arrived with the expectation of making an immediate impact. Donnarumma praised their adaptation, noting that they are accustomed to performing on big stages and handling the pressures of Premier League football.
"It’s never easy to settle into a new club, a new city, a new system, but they are integrating well and we are doing everything to make them feel at home," he said. He added that the existing squad members are playing a crucial role in helping the newcomers adjust, fostering a supportive environment that should translate into success on the pitch. Looking ahead, Donnarumma outlined the club’s objectives: to compete for the Premier League title, the Champions League, and both domestic cups. He warned that nothing is guaranteed and that every opponent, especially Arsenal, poses a serious challenge.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, also began the campaign strongly with four straight league wins before a slip‑up against Brighton, and they hold a psychological edge after edging City to the Premier League title in the previous season’s final stretch. The recent Guardiola documentary captured the disappointment of City players after a costly loss to Bournemouth that handed the league to the Gunners, a moment that still resonates with Donnarumma, who had been part of five consecutive title‑winning campaigns.
When asked about that disappointment, Donnarumma was candid: "Football is life – you experience highs and lows. It’s not just about one team; there are many strong sides in the Premier League and in Europe.
Disappointment is inevitable, but it fuels our determination to improve." He stressed the necessity of treating every match as a final, emphasizing preparation, hard work and the club’s storied legacy as driving forces. "Our history demands that we compete, we work, and we give everything we have," he affirmed. As the season progresses, Donnarumma remains realistic yet optimistic. "We are only four games in; it’s too early to predict whether City and Arsenal will be the two teams battling for the top in May," he admitted.
Nevertheless, he believes the foundation is being laid. "Our focus right now is on training, on winning each game, and on keeping that winning mentality alive. Whether we achieve all our goals will be decided by time and by how we perform week after week," he concluded.
Fans can catch the upcoming fixtures, including the highly anticipated match against Sunderland, on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday. The club also encourages supporters to engage with interactive features such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win substantial prizes while following the team’s journey through a season that promises excitement, challenges and, hopefully, a substantial haul of trophies.