Guardiola Comments On Donnarumma Incident

Gianluigi Donnarumma experienced Premier League banter after losing his temper in the aftermath of Manchester City‘s 0-0 draw against Sunderland. The Cityzens lost ground in the title race after they were forced to settle for a point at the Stadium of Light.

City’s goalkeeper had to be pulled away from the Black Cats’ Luke O’Nien as a post-match scuffle ensued. The Italian took umbrage with the English midfielder, preventing Pep Guardiola’s side from taking a quick throw-in right at the death.

Donnarumma was seen getting into a heated exchange with O’Nien as the home support celebrated their impressive draw. But as soon as spectators noticed the drama unfolding between the pair, they looked to rattle the former Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper even more.

Sunderland Fans Mock Donnarumma After Man City Draw

A visibly frustrated Donnarumma not only locked horns with Sunderland’s holding midfielder, who came off the bench after returning from a three-match suspension. But he also endured fans chanting:” Who are ya?! Who are ya?! Who are ya?!’”

Guardiola soon arrived on the scene to try to calm things down, while Granit Xhaka, of all people, even tried to play peacemaker. It was the kind of incident that suggested City might look back on tonight as a game that cost them the title should Arsenal go on to lift it next May.

You can watch Donnarumma’s angry response to O’Nien and the fan reaction below:

Guardiola played down the incident in his post-match interview, explaining: “Football happens. Sometimes it happens as it is. [It was] Nothing important. Nobody is hurt, nothing happened.”

Donnarumma is known to have a short fuse, and he similarly lost his head when Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final last summer. He has been an excellent acquisition for Guardiola, but his years captaining the Italy national team have given the Sky Blues a loud voice in the dressing room.

“Incredible” – Guardiola Raved About Donnarumma Signing

Guardiola started the season with James Trafford as his number one following the English shot-stopper’s return to the Etihad from Burnley. But City swooped for Donnarumma at the back end of the transfer window, signing the Italian in a £26 million deal.

The 26-year-old immediately displaced Trafford in the Cityzens XI and has stayed there ever since. His manager explained why the club were eager to bring him to the Etihad when speaking in September:

“We know we bought a player with incredible experience in the national team with Italy; his performance beating England in that tournament was massive. And last season with PSG, [and] for many years, but especially last season.”

He added:

“The moment he was on the market, he was happy to come to the Premier League – to enjoy this new adventure in his life. We are really pleased that he wanted to come to us. And after the [Ederson] situation, it was possible. We are happy to have him.”

City decided to part ways with Ederson last summer, bringing an end to the Brazilian’s eight years between the sticks. Guardiola needed a reliable replacement and Donnarumma has been just that, keeping seven clean sheets in 15 league games.