“Until you live it, you’ll never understand”: Gianluigi Donnarumma on working with Pep Guardiola

“Until you live it, you’ll never understand”: Gianluigi Donnarumma on working with Pep Guardiola

• Donnarumma says working with Guardiola is something one can’t understand ‘until you live it’
• Italy international says Guardiola has helped him manage difficult moments on and off the pitch
• The 26-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City this season

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has insisted that the experience of working with Pep Guardiola is beyond anything that can be described from the outside.

The 26-year-old joined Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain for £26 million on deadline day last summer and has since established himself as one of the most influential figures in Guardiola’s squad, earning widespread praise for his performances in what has been a defining debut season in English football.

Donnarumma had already spoken glowingly of Guardiola upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, describing it as ‘everyone’s dream’ to be coached by the 55-year-old, who has been linked with a departure from Manchester City this summer.

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Guardiola has previously praised Donnarumma’s composure and decision-making in possession, hailing his short-passing ability as far superior to public perception. The pair have clearly built a deep and productive working relationship since the goalkeeper’s arrival, with Donnarumma making 36 appearances in all competitions for City this term.

Donnarumma: Until you live it, you’ll never understand

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Chelsea trip, Donnarumma has given a peak through the curtain into what it is like to work under the man widely regarded as the greatest manager in the world.

“Until you live it, you’ll never understand,” the Italy captain said on Guardiola in conversation with Manchester City’s official media this week. “Until you experience him, you can’t understand the importance and effect he has on a team.

“Sometimes you’re shocked, enchanted, hear him speak, prepare a game tactically. Every situation, the coach helps me. He helps me manage moments of the game.

“Every game, you have some difficulties that maybe in another game you don’t. And those situations the coach is very good at preparing for them, managing them.

“And I’m very happy because he’s helped me a lot. He’s helped me a lot in many situations, on the pitch and off – and I think both he and the team have been fundamental from the beginning. I’m very lucky in my career to be coached by him.”

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How has Donnarumma fared so far at Manchester City?

The Italy international has been a near ever-present for City this season, making 14 clean sheets in 36 appearances in all competitions and producing a series of commanding performances that have underlined why Guardiola was so determined to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.

He has not been without controversy, coming under fire for his role in City’s 3-0 UEFA Champions League first leg defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in March before saving a Vinicius Jr. penalty in the return leg to prevent further damage to the scoreline.

The AC Milan academy graduate also saved a Mohamed Salah penalty in City’s 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool last weekend – another timely reminder of his quality at the highest level.

Donnarumma’s debut season at the Etihad Stadium will also be tinged with personal disappointment after Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third successive time, meaning the 26-year-old will spend the tournament watching from afar rather than representing his nation on the global stage.

For Guardiola, however, Donnarumma’s undivided focus on City’s run-in – with a domestic treble still firmly in the club’s sights – can only be a good thing.