Gundogan: 'Man City need to be wary of Inter's counter-attacks'

Turkey: Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan urged his teammates to stay alert to Inter's dangerous counter-attacking potential in the Champions League final.

Gundogan predicted that Inter might cede possession to Man City in order to focus on defense and counter-attacks. "We need to be prepared for Inter's counter-attacks," Gundogan said on the Man City website on June 7th. "The team has to be alert and focused, especially in a final."

On May 24th, Inter defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the Italian Cup final. Prior to that, on January 18th, the Nerazzurri also beat Milan 3-0 in the Italian Super Cup final. According to Gundogan, these two recent titles are proof that Inter knows how to win. He also pointed out other strengths of their opponents, such as their dynamism, consistency, and effective attack.

Gundogan celebrates his goal in the FA Cup final win against Manchester United on June 3rd, which Gundogan won 2-1. Photo: Reuters — Gundogan celebrates his goal in the FA Cup final win against Manchester United on June 3rd, which Gundogan won 2-1. Photo: *Reuters*

Manchester City's number 9, Erling Haaland, has scored 52 goals in 52 games this season. According to Gundogan, the arrival of a striker like Haaland has helped Man City diversify their attacking options. Besides goals, the Norwegian star brings physicality, intelligence, speed, mentality, and a positive personality. "This season, Haaland has helped us a lot," Gundogan said. "Hopefully, he will continue to help us in the final."

The Manchester City captain also praised Pep Guardiola's role. According to Gundogan, the Spanish coach always knows how to elevate players, challenge tactics, and provide solutions to problems. Gundogan believes that with what he has learned from Guardiola, along with his recent spirit and attitude, Manchester City will be hard to beat.

On June 10th, the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan took place at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye. Gundogan's parents were both born in Turkey before immigrating to Germany. "Playing in my parents' homeland makes me incredibly proud," Gundogan said. "My family, friends, and I are all very much looking forward to it. For me, this will be a very special final."

This season, Gundogan and his teammates have won the Premier League and the FA Cup. If they beat Inter, they will have a treble. Only one team in English football has ever won the treble: Manchester United in the 1998-1999 season.

Gundogan has never won the Champions League. In the 2013 final, the German midfielder and Dortmund lost 1-2 to Bayern. In 2021, he lost another final, when Man City beat Chelsea 0-1. The 2021 match was also Man City's first time in a Champions League final.

Thanh Quy (according to Man City )

Source link