Skip to main content

Ilkay Gundogan explains what it is like to play for both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola

Ilkay Gundogan

Manchester City midfielder has lifted the lid on what it is like to work with both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

Gundogan played for Klopp for four seasons at Borussia Dortmund, where he won a Bundesliga title, a DFB-Pokal and reached the Champions League final.

The Germany international was Guardiola's first signing as Manchester City manager in June 2016.

"They are the two best coaches in the world. It is a privilege that I trained under both," Gundogan told Fantasy PL.

"I think there are a lot of footballers who are jealous of me are because they didn't have that opportunity. 

"Both have a place in my heart. Both have taught me a lot and are part of my success."

"I believe in life's challenges and I always try to challenge myself.

"If I don't get out of my comfort zone, I will never change and never improve. I had four great years with Jurgen and I like him as a person and as a coach. But I felt that there was something new. 

"I wanted to leave Dortmund in Dortmund and not think about spending time with Jurgen when I chose a new club. That was partly a reason for me not to go to Liverpool." 

Guardiola's side return to action against West Ham on Wednesday, before a trip to Leicester next weekend.

Jadon Sancho will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer – but he shouldn't come back to England

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).