Gianluigi Donnarumma is confident that working under Pep Guardiola will help him improve his ability with the ball at his feet — a skill that has been under scrutiny since his move to Manchester City.
Christian Donnarumma, who joined City from Paris Saint-Germain for about £30 million during this summer’s transfer window, acknowledged that distribution and composure in playing out from the back are areas where he sees room to grow. At Italy’s training camp, he said, “I always try to help the team and do what the coach asks of me. I do everything; you can always improve in everything, but regarding what the coach asks of me, I try to improve.”
His arrival at Manchester City follows the departure of Ederson — a goalkeeper widely praised for his exceptional footwork and ability to initiate attacks and attacks from deep positions. Guardiola has also emphasised that while Donnarumma is a different profile from Ederson, this does not mean he is being asked to replicate him. Instead, the plan is for Donnarumma to gradually adapt and add to his strengths under Guardiola’s guidance.
Donnarumma also praised the interest shown by City and Guardiola in particular, saying that having a coach who believes in him was a major factor in making the move. He admitted there is pressure in filling shoes that are so closely tied to Guardiola’s style, but expressed his belief that together they can “do a great job.”
In sum, Donnarumma’s switch to Manchester City isn’t just about a change of club — it’s a commitment to evolve. With Guardiola emphasizing team play, build-up from the back, and precision under pressure, Donnarumma seems ready to sharpen the part of his game that many saw as a weakness. How quickly he adapts with his feet will be closely watched, especially given the lineage of shot-stoppers before him and the high demands of City’s style.
