Pep Guardiola failed to cover his delight – or his shock – after Manchester Metropolis confirmed the return of treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan this morning.
Gundogan returns to Metropolis after 12 months at Barcelona and, assuming the paperwork is accomplished in time, will go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s residence recreation with newly promoted Ipswich on the Etihad.
The previous Germany worldwide, who captained his nation at this summer time’s European Championship earlier than saying his retirement from worldwide soccer, is now 33 years of age however Guardiola had no doubts about bringing him again to Manchester.
I’m again 💙 … and I hope we are able to proceed the place we‘ve stopped in Summer time 2023. 🏆🏆🏆 Because of everybody who made this comeback attainable. My seven years in Manchester have been an distinctive interval in my life – to have the chance to return right here means a lot. Come on Metropolis!… pic.twitter.com/ayKO3Kheuk
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 23, 2024
A whole shock – Pep
He stated: “A whole shock, sudden, it occurred and we all know him fairly properly. Me personally, however the workers, the gamers, everybody, and the standard that he performed final season in Barcelona was a excessive, excessive stage, constant, quite a lot of video games.
“We didn’t have any doubts when the likelihood to re-sign him was open, and we’re completely delighted that he’s again.
“In fact he’s not a youngster anymore. However the cause why we determined to take the prospect to do it’s for the extent he performed final season. Even within the Euros he performed actually, actually good as properly.”
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Gundogan’s familiarity with Metropolis, and Guardiola’s techniques, imply there will probably be no time required for adaptation.
Guardiola added: “He is aware of what we’ve got to do, he doesn’t must adapt; he is aware of town, he is aware of the membership, he is aware of his team-mates, the way in which we wish to play. So he will probably be instantly settled good, and that’s why we did it.
“He has not come right here to retire, or bear in mind the great reminiscences, now it’s time to get your footwear on, and play your finest.”
Guardiola not ruling out extra switch exercise
Metropolis have been comparatively quiet within the switch window this summer time and Guardiola will not be anticipating any extra additions to his squad, however admitted that would change over the subsequent week.
“I don’t know. I don’t assume so. I don’t know what’s going to occur, possibly one thing occurs by way of accidents – hopefully not – or the market offers one thing sudden that financially fits, or tactically. Proper now I don’t assume so,” he stated.
Midfielder Rodri will not be anticipated to be match for tomorrow’s recreation however Savinho may play in opposition to the Tractor Boys, who misplaced 2-0 to Liverpool final weekend whereas Metropolis opened their marketing campaign with a 2-0 win at Chelsea.
