Gündoğan Criticizes Manchester City’s Performance Despite the Victory
Ilkay Gündogan, a key figure for Manchester City, expressed his discontent with certain aspects of the team’s game, despite the resounding 6-0 victory over Al Ain in the Club World Cup. The German midfielder pointed out that a “slow” start in the second half prevented City from reaching a crucial seventh goal, necessary to secure first place in their group. The City needed a 7-0 scoreline to guarantee the top of the group, which would allow them to secure their position with a draw against Juventus in Orlando. Pep Guardiola’s team scored six goals, thanks to goals from Gündogan (2), Claudio Echeverri, Rayan Cherki, Oscar Bobb and a penalty from Erling Haaland. Echeverri and Cherki’s goals represented their first scores as Manchester City players. Not achieving the seventh goal means that City will have to beat Juventus to secure first place in Group G.The victory secures City a place in the round of 16. Despite the thrashing, Gündoğan highlighted areas for improvement. “Even in the first half there were short periods in which we were not precise in our passes and in the way we played,” he commented. The player added that the team must improve in those aspects, since at the highest level periods of low performance cannot be allowed. Gündoğan, author of two goals in the match, was recognized as the best player of the match.We felt we needed the seventh goal in the end. We set that goal at halftime, but unfortunately we didn’t start the second half well enough, we were a bit slow. It seemed to cost us in the end.
Ilkay Gündogan
I have one more year on my contract and I am very happy here, I think everyone knows that. I am committed to this competition and enjoying my football. I still believe I have several years in me at the highest level by taking good care of myself.
Ilkay Gündogan
