Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who captained Manchester City to their first continental treble last season, categorically stated that he probably knew nothing about football until he crossed paths with Pep Guardiola.
The German international made the statement in response to being quizzed by ESPN UK concerning Gabriel Jesus’ comments on the Denilson Show Podcast about Guardiola reducing the Brazilian forward to tears.
Jesus was overlooked for Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was primarily used by the Spaniard as a left-back, in a crucial Champions League fixture a few seasons ago despite leading the line in the training session the day before.
In light of Jesus’ words, Gundogan was asked if Guardiola and his coaching methods ever became too much for a player to handle, to which the midfielder replied that the possibility existed but that it would only happen in a good way.
Furthermore, the 32-year-old noted that he had thought he knew football before signing for Manchester City in the summer of 2016, having been around for a bit.
Gundogan referenced the league and cup titles he had won at Borussia Dortmund under none other than the proponent of Gegenpressing himself, one Jurgen Klopp.
He went on to add that seven seasons spent under Guardiola’s tutelage opened his eyes to an entirely different world, referring to the little details of the game that the Spaniard likes to zero in on and emphasize.
Gundogan stressed that Guardiola has had a tremendous impact on how he currently views the game and will now ply his trade in Catalunya for Xavi Hernandez, another of Guardiola’s proteges and midfield conductor for his all-conquering Barcelona side.
The German has hit double-digits for goals in each of the past three seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning three consecutive Premier League titles before finally getting to the elusive Champions League trophy last season.
Gundogan will not get the chance to be a part of the Citizens’ assault on a record fourth consecutive Premier League crown and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has joined them for £25 million this summer.
Guardiola is the only manager to win continental trebles with two different clubs having guided former club Barcelona to the first treble in their history and later the sextuple in 2009.
