The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more
Oct 19, 2025
Ilkay Gündoğan, the former Manchester City and Germany midfielder, shares insights on his time under Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. He reflects on the tactical intricacies of Guardiola's possession play versus Klopp's pressing style. Gündoğan discusses his evolution as a player, the role of midfielders, and adapting to a demanding training regimen. He touches on the importance of scanning and awareness in midfield, his goal-scoring tactics, and what his future in football may hold, including aspirations in coaching.
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Dream Move To Galatasaray
- İlkay Gündoğan describes fulfilling his childhood dream of joining Galatasaray after years of waiting and previous near-misses.
- He explains family ties and summer visits to Turkey shaped his lifelong connection to the club.
Prefers Possession's Tactical Clarity
- Gündoğan says Pep's possession-based approach fits his footballing mind more clearly than Klopp's transitional game.
- He credits both managers for shaping his career but prefers the tactical clarity of Guardiola's style.
Awareness Drives Midfield Control
- Gündoğan attributes his reading of the game to intense scanning and awareness developed especially under Pep.
- He stresses that midfield awareness is central to playing Pep's system effectively.