:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68821029/1301979028.0.jpg)
Ilkay Gundogan speaking recently to Goal, hit on so many topics from Phil Foden’s development, Pep’s influence and tactics and much more.
Let’s see what he said-
On Foden’s development
“There was some criticism from different directions for Pep’s handling of Phil Foden. Pep publicly emphasised his qualities very early on but his game time was still relatively small. This season, however, we see that this was exactly the right way to go...”
“Pep was very keen on him at all times, especially in training. At the moment, Phil is playing an extremely important role in the team. He was one of our best players against Liverpool. He is getting better and better...”
“Pep has brought him in slowly and carefully and has not let other views influence him. At the moment, we are all happy in the team to have such a top European talent in our ranks.”
On his initial arrival and interaction with Pep
“I was injured at first but then I joined a team that you thought had been playing Pep football for years. The speed with which he can communicate his football tactically to the team is impressive. That was also the case at Bayern back then...”
“At the same time, it’s also this season, because he still acts with such motivation in every training session. There was always talk that Pep was only a coach for a maximum of three years - at the moment we see that these critics were wrong.”
On maybe coaching one day
“Some time ago, I asked for information on how the procedure would work if I were to take a trainer’s licence. In that sense, it’s more than just a thought. But how I would like to orient myself then, my thoughts are not yet that far...
“The fact is that with Pep, Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, I’ve had pretty much the best coaches in club football so far. You learn a lot and think about how you can pass on this knowledge after your career.”
Gundogan has been playing so well and he seems genuinely happy with the team. A great sight to see.