“Every game is a joy.”
The words of Ilkay Gundogan about playing under Pep Guardiola – a man whom he has spent eight years working under having been the Spaniard’s first signing as Manchester City boss in 2016.
After captaining City to the Treble in 2023, Gundogan spent 12 months at Barcelona only to return on an initial one-year deal last summer, with the option of a further 12 months.
On Sunday night, he scored twice as City thrashed UAE side Al Ain 6-0 to progress to the last 16 of the Club World Cup and said afterwards: “I have one more year left on my contract and I’m very happy here.”
Gundogan’s return to City 12 months ago was hailed by fans on this page as the “best signing of the window across the Premier League” and “one of City’s greatest transfer moments”.
However, the past season has not been easy. Guardiola endured a first trophyless season since his opening campaign in Manchester in 2016-17, with City only securing Champions League final qualification on the final day.
In that earlier post, fans had imagined Gundogan would “likely be a bit-part player” who provided “squad depth” but the former Germany midfielder still made 50 appearances in all competitions – the second-most of the whole City squad.
“It’s a big privilege. I mean, otherwise I would have not joined again,” the 34-year-old said on his relationship with Guardiola.
“Otherwise I would have not spent so many years with him at this club. I think it’s just something that he has – to make players feel they have to compete on the highest level.
“Every training session, every game, is just a joy. That’s why he’s the best.”
Read the full article here