In the lead up to Manchester City’s continental Clash with Borussia Dortmund, Ilkay Gundogan has reflected on his captaincy style.
The 31 year-old was appointed club captain for the 2022/23 campaign, following the departure of Fernandinho.
Although Rodri glided the ball into the back of the net, tying the game against Aston Villa, it was Ilkay Gundogan’s second-half brace which brought the Premier League trophy back to the Etihad for the fourth time in five seasons.
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As the German cemented himself in the history of the club, and played a key role yet another Premier League title triumph.
The season prior, Gundogan a record 17 goals, as the City midfielder helped the Blues to retaking their Premier League crown.
Following the thrilling title win in May, club legend Fernandinho departed the club after almost a decade, leading the locker room for the previous two seasons after the exit of David Silva.
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In mid-August, Pep Guardiola’s squad voted the German midfielder as their new captain, which meant a new slew of tasks for Gundogan.
One of these tasks was to help set the mood of the locker room, which the newly-elected captain explained wasn’t a challenge, especially given that there are other leaders in the locker room who helped set the standard.
“I think the atmosphere is quite similar," said Gundogan.
“We have players who are really good guys and they are really important for the dressing room and big characters are stepping up.”
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Although it didn’t appear to be a challenge, the German midfielder has revealed that he did reach out to the longstanding Brazilian leader for help at times.
“I was lucky enough to have Fernandinho and I have called him a couple of times for some advice,” said Gundogan.
The German midfielder also discussed the changes to his role, since becoming City skipper.
“My role has maybe changed a little bit and become a little bit more about organisation,” replied Gundogan.
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The Blues captain will take on his former team on Wednesday night, as Manchester City host Borussia Dortmund in the Group Stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The last time the two European giants met was in the 2020/21 Champions League quarter-finals, as the Sky Blues rose to the occasion defeating the Black and Yellow side 4-2 on aggregate after Phil Foden scored a brace across both legs.
Gundogan will be on of four City players to come up against their former club on Wednesday, with Sergio Gomez, Manuel Akanji and Erling Haaland all having links to the German side.
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Both Haaland and Akanji switched Dortmund for Manchester this summer, with the latter signing on Deadline Day for £15 million.
Topics: Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund
Declan Harris