Pep Guardiola On Donnarumma Yellow Card Collection: Adult Enough To Learn

Gianluigi Donnarumma was asked to learn to behave from the many yellow cards that have been collected (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola feels that Gianluigi Donnarumma is mature enough not to constantly get a yellow card.

The Italian goalkeeper is only one yellow card away from a play ban after receiving his fourth yellow card in his short career at Manchester City in a Premier League win over Leeds United on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

The three yellow cards were given for dissent, but Guardiola felt there was no need to talk about it with the 26-year-old signing.

"No, he's mature enough. One step by one, he will understand various things in the league and (learn) new behavior," Guardiola said.

Donnarumma was also the subject of controversy at the weekend after being accused by Leeds manager Daniel Farke of pretending to be injured so Guardiola could give important instructions to the team.

Leeds came from 0-2 behind to equalize at the Etihad Stadium before The Citizens won with Phil Foden's goal, their second goal in the game, in injury time.

Guardiola looked less than eager to discuss Donnarumma's issue at a press conference on Monday, December 1, 2025, to review the trip on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, against Fulham.

He said he had a lot of concerns, but did not elaborate on his only comments about the goalkeeper in an unusually short media session.

He spoke longer about his hopes that academy graduate Foden, whose contract expires in 2027, will commit to the club in the long term.

"Hopefully he can survive his entire career here. He is a special player, Manchester City fan, from the academy," said Guardiola, who did not provide up-to-date information about the development of new contract negotiations.

Foden, 25, said after scoring twice against Leeds that he now sees himself as one of the team's leaders.

"On the pitch, he's always been like that. vocally, he's not a person who talks a lot in the dressing room, but on the pitch, he never hides behind the scenes," said Guardiola.

Meanwhile, Guardiola is still not sure when his key midfielder, Rodri, will return to play. The Spaniard suffered difficulties after being sidelined for most of last season due to a knee injury and only appeared once - even then only one minute - in the last 10 games Manchester City had a problem with hamstring.

The 29-year-old has been ruled out on his way to Craven Cottage and is doubtful of appearing for the home game against Sunderland on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

"Not yet. I don't know," said the Manchester City coach when asked if Rodri would return to action.