- Gianluigi Donnarumma waxes lyrical over Pep Guardiola
- Feels ‘enchanted’ by his manager
- Italian is likely to start on Sunday
Gianluigi Donnarumma has piled praise on Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester City’s crucial Premier League match against Chelsea.
Manchester City have had a positive few weeks, but the same cannot be said for Gianluigi Donnarumma, at least on an individual level.
The Citizens won the Carabao Cup after defeating Arsenal, but Donnarumma was forced to watch on from the sidelines.
It made sense to select James Trafford, as he had started every other game in the competition. However, it will still have been disappointing for the 27-year-old to miss out.
The same happened in last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final tie. Trafford saved a Mohamed Salah penalty in the second half and kept a clean sheet as Man City hammered Liverpool.
To make things worse, Donnarumma was part of the Italian national team who failed to qualify for the World Cup just a few days earlier.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is delighted with Pep Guardiola
Despite Trafford reeling in all the limelight in recent weeks, Donnarumma is very happy to be playing under Pep Guardiola.
After all, he has still made 36 appearances this season, with 27 of those coming in the Premier League.
“I think until you live it, you will never understand,” Donnarumma told Man City regarding playing under Guardiola.
“Until you experience him, you can’t understand the importance he has and the effect he has on a team.
“Sometimes you are shocked, you are enchanted, sometimes to hear him speak, to prepare a game tactically.
“Every situation, the coach helps me. He helps me manage the moments of the game.
Every game you have some difficulties that maybe in another game you don’t have,” the goalkeeper continued.
“And on those situations the coach is very good at preparing for them, at managing them well. And I am very happy because he has helped me a lot.
“He has helped me a lot in many situations, on the pitch and off it, and I think both he and the team have been fundamental from the beginning.”
He added: “I am very lucky in my career to be coached by him.”
Donnarumma has won the goalkeeping battle at Man City
While Donnarumma’s understudy has impressed in his team’s two most recent matches, Trafford could leave Man City in the summer.
This can only be because Donnarumma is still set to be Guardiola’s first choice goalkeeper, regardless of the Englishman’s form.
The Italian has had a good first season in the Premier League and he is likely approaching the peak of his career.
Any negative feelings in recent times, whether about his club or country, would certainly be wiped away if Donnarumma can help Man City win the top flight.
Guardiola could leave Man City this summer
Unfortunately for Donnrumma, his time playing under Guardiola could be relatively short lived, considering the length of the 55 year old’s contract.
Guardiola’s existing deal with Man City will expire next year and although unconfirmed, there is a chance he might leave even sooner.
This would be a blow for Donnarumma, but it would not be the first time he has adapted to a new coach.
Ultimately, he is world class and one of the best players in his position, so performing under a different leader will not be a problem.
