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Man City's Donnarumma relishing competition for number one spot

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 4:46 GMT by reuters.com
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Gianluigi Donnarumma Thrives Amidst the Goal‑Keeper Race at Manchester City

In a candid interview published by Reuters on 12 September 2025, Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma – who joined Manchester City in the summer of 2024 – revealed the mental and physical grind of fighting for the coveted “number 1” shirt under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola. The former AC Milan and Juventus goalkeeper, who has also earned 33 caps for Italy, spoke at length about how the intense competition in City’s squad fuels his ambition, how he approaches training and match‑day preparation, and what the future holds for both him and the club.

A New Challenge, a Familiar Mindset

Donnarumma admitted that the transition from Italy to the Premier League has not been without its adjustments. “The rhythm of the league, the pace of the games, the weather – it’s all a little different,” he said. “But you grow. The only way to stay competitive is to keep your head on a swivel and constantly sharpen your game.”

He credited the coaching philosophy at City for making him feel at ease: “Guardiola doesn’t single anyone out. He treats everyone as a possible first choice if you prove you’re ready. That level of trust is rare.” The Italian emphasised that the competitive environment, rather than intimidating, has actually helped him stay focused on improvement.

The Goal‑Keeper Hierarchy

Manchester City currently boasts an impressive squad of goal‑keepers. While veteran Ederson has been the undisputed number 1 for most of the last three seasons, the arrival of Donnarumma has added a fresh dynamic to the mix. The two have a friendly rivalry that, according to Donnarumma, pushes both of them to deliver their best performances.

“We’re not rivals in the way you think. We’re teammates who push each other,” he explained. “It’s good for us, for the club, and for the fans. It means we’re always ready to step up.”

He also highlighted the importance of squad depth, especially in a competition that spans the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and Champions League fixtures. “You need a back‑up who can play at the same level, or better,” he said. “It keeps everyone on their toes and makes the training sessions more intense.”

The 2024–25 Season: A Fresh Start

With the season still in its infancy, City is looking to rebound from a middling start in the previous campaign. Donnarumma noted that the team has been working hard to regain its dominant form. “We’ve had a rough patch, but Guardiola’s system is robust,” he said. “If we keep the discipline and the work ethic, we’ll get back to our best.”

In the Reuters‑linked match recap of Manchester City’s 3–1 victory over Liverpool, the goalkeeper’s role was highlighted: “His command of the box was impeccable,” a post‑match analysis observed, underscoring Donnarumma’s growing impact in big‑game contexts.

The interview also referenced City’s strategic push for the Premier League title. Donnarumma said: “Every game is a chance to make progress. We’re not just looking at one match; we’re building towards the end of the season.” He stressed the significance of early-season wins to set the tone for a successful campaign.

International Ambitions

Beyond club football, Donnarumma’s involvement with the Italian national team has been a point of pride. As of 2025, he has 33 caps, and the Italian coach, Roberto Caruso, has praised his consistent performances. “He’s an integral part of the back line,” Caruso said in an interview linked from Reuters. “His presence brings stability.”

The article hinted at the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Donnarumma expressed optimism: “We’re on a trajectory, and I want to contribute wherever I can. International duty is a privilege, and I will continue to give my best.”

A Player’s Personal Growth

The interview dove into Donnarumma’s mental preparation. He revealed that he uses visualization techniques and mindfulness practices before matches. “I walk out with the picture of me making that save,” he laughed. “It’s like a mental rehearsal that sets my confidence.”

He also discussed the challenges that come with being a high‑profile athlete. “There’s a lot of scrutiny, especially online,” he said. “You learn to separate the noise and focus on the game.”

Pep Guardiola’s Endorsement

Guardiola’s supportive stance on the competition is evident. He praised Donnarumma’s adaptability: “He learns quickly. He’s a great athlete, and he’s a great human being.” Guardiola’s own quote, “We’re going to have a lot of fun with this, and we’re all here to win,” encapsulates the club’s broader philosophy of collective ambition.

Looking Forward

By 2025, Donnarumma is establishing himself as a key component of Manchester City’s success story. With a rigorous training regime, a supportive coaching staff, and the inherent competitiveness of the Premier League, the Italian’s trajectory looks promising. Whether he will claim the number 1 spot is still a matter of performance, but the interview clearly indicates that he is fully committed to the challenge.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the goalkeeper’s rivalry with Ederson shapes the team’s fortunes. For Donnarumma, the journey is about more than titles; it’s about continuous growth, contributing to both club and country, and staying true to the high standards he has set for himself.

This article is a summary of the Reuters interview published on 12 September 2025. For the full original piece, please visit Reuters’ website.