Ilkay Gundogan has labelled his Manchester City debut as “perfect” after the Germany midfielder made his first appearance for the club in their 4-0 thumping of Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League.
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Manchester City’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo celebrates after Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero scores the opening goal of the game, during the Champions League group C soccer match at the Etihad Stadium between Manchester City and Borussia Moenchengladbach in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016.
“It’s our job, we are here, but to play without our fans, there is no reason why we are here”.
Lyon enjoyed a memorable Champions League opener in their new stadium – they comfortably saw off the challenge of Dynamo Zagreb 3-0.
Champions League regulars FC Porto were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Copenhagen to complete Group G’s first round of matches. We can not make something good in the Champions League in the coming years without them. “His qualities are going to help us a lot”.
“With our supporters and their songs, we are stronger”. He was not ready to play 90 minutes, that is what I thought.
City reached the Champions League semi-finals last season under Guardiola’s predecessor, Manuel Pellegrini.
City’s emphatic victory over the Germans was their seventh successive win, continuing their superb start under Guardiola.
“If we are to be successful it means everyone playing their part – the coaches, the players and – very importantly – the spectators”.
They also felt harshly treated by Financial Fair Play sanctions meted out to City by European governing body UEFA the same year.
“What happened in the past is the past – forget about it”. While they’re not a juggernaut like Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund, they have talented players and a smart manager, and come together in a competitive side that creates problems for everyone. Not all the teams can play this competition.
He added: “He’s an incredible player”. People say they are the weakest in the group but I don’t agree.
The goals took Aguero’s Champions League tally to 45, overtaking Paul Scholes and Luis Figo, and he has now scored nine times in five games for City this season.
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We spoke with [Gundogan] and he said “I’m ready”. “He’s going to help us and we are so happy to have him here”.
