Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated he feels no need to intervene over goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's mounting disciplinary record, insisting the Italian international is "adult enough" to manage himself.
Donnarumma Nearing Suspension Threshold
The situation arose after Donnarumma, 26, received his fourth yellow card in a City shirt during Saturday's dramatic 3-2 Premier League win over Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium. This latest caution leaves the summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain just one booking away from an automatic suspension. Notably, three of his four yellows this season have been for dissent.
When questioned at a press conference on Monday 1st December 2025 if he would speak to his goalkeeper about the issue, Guardiola was unequivocal. "No, he is adult enough," the City boss said. "He will, step by step, understand things in the league and (learn) new behaviours."
Foden's Leadership and Rodri's Ongoing Absence
Guardiola's briefing, which was unusually brief for broadcast media, also covered other key topics ahead of Tuesday's trip to Fulham. He expressed a strong desire for academy graduate Phil Foden to remain at the club for life. Foden, whose contract expires in 2027, scored twice against Leeds, including a stoppage-time winner.
"Hopefully he can stay all his career here," Guardiola said of the 25-year-old. "He is a special player, a Man City fan, from the academy." He endorsed Foden's own claim of growing into a leadership role, adding: "On the pitch, he’s always been like that. Vocally he is not a guy who talks much in the dressing room but, on the pitch, he never hides."
In less positive news, Guardiola provided a vague update on the fitness of midfielder Rodri. The Spaniard, who has been plagued by injuries since a serious knee problem last season, has played just one minute in City's last ten games due to a hamstring issue. The 29-year-old is definitely out of the Fulham match and is a doubt for Saturday's home game against Sunderland. "No, not yet," Guardiola said when asked if Rodri was back in contention, and replied "I don't know" regarding the weekend.
Weekend Controversy and Guardiola's Mood
The press conference also followed a match filled with incident involving Donnarumma. Leeds manager Daniel Farke accused the goalkeeper of feigning injury during the game, an act he suggested allowed Guardiola to deliver a crucial team talk while his side were pegged back to 2-2.
Guardiola seemed in little mood to delve deeper into matters concerning his keeper, stating only that he had "a lot" of concerns without elaboration. His focus remains firmly on navigating a busy fixture schedule amidst ongoing squad challenges.
