Manchester City have suffered a 5-1 defeat on aggregate to Real Madrid, but Gianluigi is keen to move on and win the Carabao Cup instead.
Gianluigi Donnarumma had a difficult two legs against Real Madrid, with the goalkeeper forced to make continuous saves to keep his team alive in the tie.
However, Real Madrid already looked likely to advance to the quarter-finals after just one half in Madrid, after some fine superb play from Federico Valverde.
Man City kept a high line across the tie and this came back to bite them, but Donnarumma has no desire to question Pep Guardiola’s strategy.
Gianlugi Donnarumma outlines the pros and cons of Man City’s high line
Donnarumma believes Man City’s emphasis on playing so high up the pitch left them vulnerable against Real Madrid, but he still sees the benefits of this game plan in the long-term.
He told Tutto Mercato Web: “We play with a slightly high defence. It’s our way of playing, sometimes it gives you advantages and other times disadvantages. If you don’t do well, you end up one-on-one. Even if l’m in line with the defence, if the ball is perfect, it’s hard to get to it.
“Unfortunately, that’s been the case in these two games, but we won’t change. It has brought City so many advantages over the years. After losing 3-0 in Madrid, everything becomes more difficult.”
Regardless of Man City’s tactics, Donnarumma reckons the game would have been different, had Bernardo Silva not been sent off. Despite this, the Italian has admitted the tie was likely to be won by Real Madrid due to their lead following the first leg.
“We played a great game and had plenty of chances,” he continued. “With 11 men, it would have been a completely different match.
“They were better, they scored more goals than us. I think qualification was decided in the first leg, after that it’s all uphill.”
Donnarumma wants Man City to focus on the Carabao Cup final
Other than learning what they can do better, there is little reason for Man City to dwell much on their Champions League disappointment.
Right now, ther focus has to turn to Sunday, as the Sky Blues look to defeat an in-form Arsenal and win the Carabao Cup.
“We have to accept it,” Donnarumma said of the Real Madrid defeat. “There are important games to play, the disappointment is huge.
“But from tomorrow, we’ll have to get back on our feet because on Sunday we already have a title to bring home.”
