Gundogan reveals how Pep is planning for City quadruple

Will Ford

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says that all of Manchester City’s star players will spend time on the bench as Pep Guardiola aims to go one better and win the quadruple this season.

City pipped Liverpool to the title last term and they won both the League Cup and the FA Cup.

The Champions League remains the elusive trophy for City – they were beaten by Tottenham in the quarter-final last year.

They ended up playing a total of 61 games in all competitions but will have to play more this season if they want all four trophies.

Gundogan says Guardiola has spoken to them all about the importance of rest and rotation in a long season.

He said: “We have so much quality in this team that there will always be rotation.

“Everyone will sit on the bench but also play in a huge game.

“I don’t expect anything.

“The only thing I expect is to play my best and that’s what I expect from my team-mates, the management staff and everyone because we know how privileged we are and what a great club we are able to play at.

“If we keep going like that then I’m sure everyone will be happy – me included.”

City have already dropped points in the Premier League this season – drawing 2-2 with Tottenham at home.

But City dominated the game and had 30 shots – more than twice the number they had in their 5-0 thrashing of West Ham in the opening game of the season.