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Ilkay Gundogan’s cryptic remark targets Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

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In a recent interview, Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan heaped praise on his former manager, Pep Guardiola, while also reflecting on his time working under Jurgen Klopp during his stint at Borussia Dortmund. The German international left Manchester City on a free transfer to join Barcelona, marking the end of his illustrious seven-year spell with the English club.

During his time at Manchester City, Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing as the club’s boss. Together, they achieved remarkable success, securing an impressive 14 trophies, including the coveted 2022/23 Champions League title, which became Gundogan’s final competitive game for the club. Individually, he was recognized for his outstanding performances, earning a place in the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Season in 2020/21 after scoring 13 goals in 28 appearances while playing in a more advanced role.

As Gundogan embarks on a new chapter at Camp Nou, he took the opportunity to reflect on his experience under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. Speaking in an interview with ESPN, the midfielder expressed his admiration for Guardiola’s managerial prowess and the significant impact he had on his game. Gundogan acknowledged that prior to joining Manchester City, he believed he knew football inside out, but the seven years under Guardiola’s guidance made him realize how much more there was to learn. He described Guardiola’s influence on both the team and himself as immense, attributing the improvement in his game to the little details and aspects that the manager instilled in him.

While Gundogan’s admiration for Guardiola was evident, some of his comments might have appeared to be veiled references to his time under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund. Comparing his experiences with both managers, Gundogan seemed to imply that Guardiola’s coaching took his understanding of the game to new heights. However, it’s worth noting that Gundogan had previously praised Klopp for his role as a father figure during his adaptation to life in German football when he moved to Dortmund at the age of 20. Klopp’s support and confidence played a crucial role in Gundogan’s development during his early days in Dortmund.

As Gundogan begins his journey with Barcelona, he leaves behind a legacy at Manchester City that will be remembered by fans and football enthusiasts alike. While his words may have sparked some intrigue, it is clear that his appreciation for both Guardiola and Klopp as managers has been a significant factor in shaping his footballing career. With his wealth of experience and skill, Gundogan’s presence at Camp Nou is sure to be a valuable asset for Barcelona in the seasons to come.