He’s a truly, truly special person – Donnarumma on Maresca

City No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma has lauded new boss Enzo Maresca as a brilliant coach and wonderful person.

Men's Team

Haaland the cover star for Sunderland matchday programme

Donnarumma linked up with Maresca at the start of the season and has witnessed first-hand the impact his fellow Italian has made at the CFA.

The giant shot-stopper says that Maresca has built on an already top-class atmosphere at the training ground as well as having a huge impact on the players in the way he trains them and treats them.

And he thanked the manager for the trust shown in him during their brief time together.

“He has great faith in me, and he trusts me a lot,” he said of the boss.

“He chose me as one of the team captains. It’s a source of pride and honour for me to represent this team, this jersey.

“And so, this means he has great faith in me, and it’s truly an incredible feeling.

“He has great attention to detail. He’s created a beautiful environment. The new players have immediately fit in very well with us and immediately felt at home.

“Beyond the coach, he’s a truly, truly special person who makes you feel very good.

“He has great enthusiasm and he manages to make each of us express ourselves at our best and that, I think, is a very, very important skill and I’m truly proud to be working for the coach.”

City head into Sunday’s showdown with Sunderland following a truly brilliant 1-0 win away at Old Trafford in our last Premier League game.

City won the 199th Manchester derby courtesy of a clinical Erling Haaland finish in the second half, the result made even more notable for the fact that the Blues played over an hour of the match with ten men following the dismissal of Phil Foden.

Donnarumma called the victory both ‘beautiful and emotional’ as he explained the mindset of the players in enemy territory.

“Playing with ten men for so long at Old Trafford isn’t easy,” he continued.

“It’s not easy, in fact it’s very tough. But we always remained positive and came out of it by winning this match.

“The team gave it their all and we kept playing, kept possession and put the opponents in difficulty.

“We played a great game, and it was a very important victory – very, very beautiful and emotional.

“We managed to bring home a great victory that really gives us great self-confidence for the future of this season.

“This is us - a team that never gives up, that has so much quality, that wants to show that we can overcome all adversity.

“That’s the most important thing, I’m truly proud of my teammates.”

The three points at the home of the Red Devils looked in doubt in stoppage time when Bryan Mbuemo was played in by Bruno Fernandes.

But Donnarumma got down brilliantly to tip away the United forward’s goalbound effort.

The 27-year-old was thrilled to contribute to a stunning success at United.

“I’m very happy to have helped the team,” he said.

“I always try to give my best, always stay focused, no matter the minute of the game. It’s normal.

“And a decisive save in the 94th minute in a derby – even more beautiful. Even more emotional.

“Knowing you helped the team win a crucial match. I just thought about helping the team in a difficult moment.

“I always try to help my teammates and so my thought was that and then luckily, I made a great save, and we kept a clean sheet and won a great match, and that’s the most important thing.

“It was truly special, but now it’s over and we have to work with great energy.

“We have another important match on Sunday, and then we take a break for a bit.”

That next match is a clash with the Black Cats, led by Régis Le Bris, the French coach having led the Wearsiders to a hugely impressive seventh spot in the Premier League in his first season in England’s top-flight having been promoted via the play-offs in the previous Championship campaign.

Donnarumma is acutely aware of the challenge facing his Blues.

“It will be like all matches – a difficult match, a very complicated match, and you have to prepare well, you have to give everything, as always,” he added.

“Every match has its own story. There are complications, so we need to prepare well and give 100%, but I’m sure that whatever we do, we’ll play a great match and try to bring home another very important victory.”

City v Sunderland: Tickets on general sale!

Don’t miss our Premier League encounter with AFC Sunderland – with tickets on general sale.

Our clash with the Black Cats takes place on Sunday 20 September at the Etihad Stadium with a 14:00 (UK) kick-off.

There’s four tickets available to purchase per supporter as well as three additional spots for Season Ticket Members.

Last time out, we defeated the Wearsiders 3-0 thanks to goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden.

Make sure you secure your spot at the Etihad Stadium as we look for another three points this season.

BUY TICKETS HERE