Guardiola’s tactical ‘gift’ is ‘second to none in the world’

Matt Stead

Pep Guardiola’s tactical “gift” is “second to none in the world,” according to Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan, Guardiola’s first signing at City, has settled at the Etihad Stadium after a difficult, injury-hit first season.

A knee injury restricted the midfielder to just 16 appearances in 2016/17, but he has already played 38 times this season, including 22 starts.

The 27-year-old has played under Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Dieter Hecking, but says Guardiola is by far the best in a tactical sense.

“Sporting things are going very well, both for the team and for me personally,” he told RTL. “I could not be much happier.

“Pep Guardiola tactically brings a gift that is second to none in the world. When we go to the pitch and see what [Guardiola’s tactics] trigger, then a light goes on.

“The way we see football is quite similar. He played in a similar position to where I’m playing now and he’s also a big fan of midfielders.”

 

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