Pep Guardiola rejects idea of holding talks with Gianluigi Donnarumma over behaviour

Gianluigi Donnarumma will not be held to talks by Pep Guardiola over his in-game behaviour at Manchester City, having received four yellow cards to date.

The Italian, who arrived at the Etihad in the summer to become the club’s new long-term No.1, has impressed with performances but attracted attention for interactions with referees. His vocal presence and emotional reactions have become a noticeable part of his adaptation, with officials cautioning him on four separate occasions already this season.

Manchester City staff will be fully aware of the tight disciplinary position their goalkeeper is now in, with Premier League rules dictating that if Donnarumma is shown a fifth yellow card within the club’s next six fixtures, he will serve an automatic one-match suspension.

With Manchester City entering a busy stretch of domestic and European fixtures, their new goalkeeper missing a game through suspension would be particularly untimely, but could present an opportunity for highly-rated No.2 option James Trafford.

Despite concern, Guardiola has traditionally allowed players to learn their own lessons when adapting to English football. Donnarumma, still only 26 but with over a decade of professional experience, is expected to adjust naturally as he becomes more familiar with refereeing styles.

Speaking during a recent press conference, and off the back of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s fourth yellow card in the Premier League coming against Leeds United, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the Italian’s in-game frustrations with match officials.

“He will, step by step, understand things, a new league, new behaviours,” Guardiola insisted on his summer recruit.

On whether it is a case of speaking to the former Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper, Guardiola said, “No. He’s adult enough.”

Pep Guardiola’s stance is consistent with how he has managed senior players throughout his City tenure, giving responsibility to the individual rather than micro-managing emotional responses. Donnarumma was praised earlier this season by teammates for his communication, presence, and leadership, qualities that sometimes come with strong emotional expression.

However, the looming suspension risk may force Donnarumma to adapt. City face several high-pressure matches in the Premier League and Europe over the coming weeks, and Guardiola will want his No.1 available. The goalkeeper’s ability to remain calm, particularly during set-piece incidents, will be closely monitored by officials and staff alike.

Looking ahead, Donnarumma’s disciplinary record may prove to be a short-term learning curve rather than a long-term concern. His experience in Serie A, Ligue 1, and on the international stage suggests he has capacity to adapt temperament without compromising on assertiveness that makes him such an effective presence.

As Manchester City push through a demanding run of fixtures in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Carabao Cup, avoiding that fifth yellow card will be one of the goalkeeper’s quieter but most important challenges.