Having won seven league titles in England and Germany in total, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan knows what it takes to go the distance when competing with an elite team.
During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan helped his side conquer the dominant Bayern Munich at the time by winning successive Bundesliga titles.
At Manchester City, the German played an integral role in helping City beat world-class sides like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to Premier League titles as well.
However, last season, the 33-year-old had to witness Pep Guardiola’s men go toe-to-toe with the Gunners from afar as a Barcelona player.
For much of the campaign, a case could have been made that Arsenal were playing the best brand of football in the Premier League.
Furthermore, the Sky Blues had lost a key player and leader like Gundogan at the time —who was a regular starter during his final season at the club.
Gundogan explains his shock seeing Man City beat Arsenal to the Premier League
The exits of other senior players like Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez as well as a brilliant young player in Cole Palmer were worrying signs about Manchester City’s title credentials.
However, City reigned supreme, winning yet another league title on the final day of the season.
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta would have been frustrated to have lost the title by a minute two points; a feeling Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have been all too familiar with.
The English giants showcased once again that ultimately, cream rises to the top.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gundogan explained that off the back of winning the treble, he was taken aback by witnessing Manchester City managing to remain as motivated as ever to win the Premier League.
“I was a bit surprised how well they did last year because obviously, winning after winning a treble, there could be room for dropping a little bit.”
“But they were there in all the competitions until the end and I think this is what it’s about, trying to compete until the end in every single competition and for me, still, last year was an amazing success for the team and the club and I hope that we can do better this year.”
Ilkay Gundogan signing will boost the Man City winning mentality
As Gundogan stated, he wishes that Manchester City outdo themselves from last season upon his arrival.
Having won four back-to-back league titles, it would be natural for complacency to creep into the squad.
But if that does occur, Gundogan’s status within the club, leadership and experience will mean he will demand his teammates to maintain their high standards.
The midfield maestro will be desperate to win major trophies for a few reasons.
Firstly, as he is a Manchester City player again.
But secondly, as Gundogan suffered a rare trophyless campaign during his career in recent years at Barcelona.
As a result, the silky technician will have the fire in his belly to make more history as a City player.
