Manchester City is experiencing a challenging period, having won only once in their last 10 matches, largely due to injuries and fatigue among key players. The absence of Rodri has left the midfield vulnerable to counter-attacks, and the team struggles with confidence and consistency. Despite hopes for improvement after the international break, further injuries have compounded their issues. Manager Pep Guardiola is eager for his players to recover, but the situation remains precarious ahead of the Manchester derby.
Ilkay Gundogan anticipates significant changes at Barcelona as Hansi Flick replaces Xavi as manager. Flick, who has signed a two-year deal, previously worked with Gundogan at the international level. Gundogan is optimistic about the club's future, highlighting the talent of young La Masia players. Flick's main challenge will be to bring silverware back to Barcelona after a trophyless season under Xavi.
Barcelona Femeni won the Women's Champions League against Lyon, completing a historic quadruple. Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, Ilkay Gundogan, and other Barcelona players congratulated the team on social media for their remarkable achievement.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo responds to teammate Ilkay Gundogan's criticism of his red card in the Champions League match against PSG, emphasizing the importance of respecting "codes and values." Araujo's red card proved to be a turning point in the match, leading to PSG's 4-1 victory. This is not the first time Gundogan has publicly questioned his teammates, as he previously expressed disappointment with the lack of emotion and resistance from the team after a La Liga defeat to Real Madrid.
Barcelona secured a 3-1 win against Alaves with Andreas Christensen impressing in midfield, potentially solving a long-standing issue for the team. Ilkay Gundogan's assist and goal were instrumental in getting Barcelona going, but he was forced off with a back injury. Vitor Roque had a rollercoaster cameo, scoring a goal before receiving two yellow cards in quick succession, leaving Barcelona to appeal the decision.
Vitor Roque continues to impress for Barcelona with his goal-scoring prowess, raising questions about his role in the team and the potential impact on star striker Robert Lewandowski. However, a red card in his latest match will sideline him for the next game. Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan's injury presents a challenge for Xavi, as the German midfielder has been showcasing his importance to the team in a more advanced role.
Ilkay Gundogan's exceptional performance in a higher attacking role has been a game-changer for Barcelona, as they secure two consecutive wins under Xavi's management. His versatility and footballing intellect were on full display, unlocking the Alaves defensive line and securing a crucial victory. Despite a challenging season, Gundogan's leadership and standout performances are laying the groundwork for future success, earning him recognition as the most valuable player of the 2023/2024 campaign.
Weston McKennie acknowledges that the USMNT struggled to contain Ilkay Gundogan, who dominated the game and led Germany to a 3-1 victory in a friendly match.
FC Barcelona manager Xavi praised Ilkay Gundogan and Lamine Yamal for their performances in the 2-0 win over Cadiz, but lamented his team's lack of effectiveness in front of goal. Xavi highlighted Gundogan's ability to make a difference and praised Yamal for his strong debut. Despite the victory, Xavi felt that his team could have been more clinical and emphasized the importance of all players being prepared to contribute. Frenkie de Jong was also praised for his versatility, playing as a central defender in the absence of Ronald Araujo. Barca now prepares for their next match against Villarreal.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is interested in signing Declan Rice as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, not Rodri, and sees Rice as a multifunctional player who can play in various positions in midfield. City already have a strong squad of players who can fulfill different roles, and they believe Rice and fellow midfielder Mateo Kovacic can adapt and contribute goals like Gundogan did. Guardiola's plan involves creating a strong support network and finding the right balance in the team to control matches with midfielders who are more box-to-box. The motivation levels of the players and the adaptation process will be key factors to watch in the upcoming season.
Barcelona's signing of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Manchester City has raised questions about where he fits in the team's starting XI. While Gundogan is a technically adept and tactically versatile midfielder, his best positions overlap with those of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. However, manager Xavi sees Gundogan primarily as an attacking midfielder who can add creativity to the team's attack through the middle and take some of the load off the wings. Gundogan's signing is seen as a solution to Barcelona's lack of depth in midfield, which was exposed when Pedri and Gavi were absent.
Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has signed a contract with Barcelona, but there is a secret clause that would allow him to rejoin Manchester City before the start of the season. The clause was inserted due to Barcelona's risk of being unable to register all of the players they want to for La Liga next season due to the division's wage cap. Gundogan's first-choice option was to stay at Manchester City, but the club didn't offer him the length of contract that he wanted.
Barcelona have signed Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer. The German international will join on July 1 on a two-year deal with the option of a third. His buyout is set at €400million. Gundogan is the priority signing for Barcelona head coach Xavi after the Catalans were rejected in their pursuit of Lionel Messi. Manchester City were keen to keep the German, who was a key player as Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble last season.
Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a free transfer, stating that it was his childhood dream to play for the club. Talks with Xavi and the chance to play with Robert Lewandowski again helped him make up his mind. The midfielder has signed a deal until 2025 with a buy-out clause of 400 million euros.
FC Barcelona plans to make five signings for the upcoming 2023/2024 season, with Ilkay Gundogan being the first to be announced. Inigo Martinez is expected to be the next capture, followed by a defensive "pivot" to replace Sergio Busquets, Marcelo Brozovic, and 18-year-old Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. Barca also wishes to seal a right back. These signings aim to improve their Champions League results in the last couple of campaigns.
