Ilkay Gündoğan discusses Manchester City’s struggles and the key to success

Ilkay Gündoğan believes Manchester City’s struggles this season are down to missing “behaviours” that were key to their past success. The midfielder, who has been a vital part of City's dominance in recent years, says that beyond tactics, the team has lacked the mental edge and collective desire that helped them win multiple Premier League titles.

Too Much Focus on Tactics, Not Enough on Mentality
In an interview with ESPN, Gündoğan suggested that City’s dip in form wasn’t only due to injuries — such as those suffered by Rodri — but also due to a lack of basic footballing attitude: aggression, desire, and determination. “We focused too much on tactics and forgot the behaviours that win games — like working hard and showing fight,” Gündoğan said.
This season has tested City's consistency. Their form dropped sharply in late 2024, leading to a fight just to stay within the top five and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Signs of Improvement After the International Break
Despite a tough winter, Manchester City are currently unbeaten in their last four matches, and Gündoğan sees positive signs heading into the final stretch. He pointed to the FA Cup comeback win against Bournemouth as a key moment when the team rediscovered its fighting spirit.
“At Bournemouth, after going 1–0 down, we reacted brilliantly,” he said. “That game showed we still have what it takes when we’re united.”

Gündoğan Highlights the Importance of Team Mentality
While fans often praise goals and assists, Gündoğan emphasized the importance of teamwork and mentality over flashy moments. He believes the key to City's past dominance was their ability to function as a unit. “Nowadays, people celebrate beautiful goals, but not the hard work behind them. We need to value team effort again,” he added.
Since the March international break, Gündoğan feels the team has improved mentally, showing more hunger and togetherness on the pitch.

Manchester City's Champions League Qualification Still in Reach
City still have seven Premier League matches left, beginning with a crucial home game against Crystal Palace. A strong finish could secure them a place in the Champions League, which remains the club’s minimum goal this season.
“We’re dreaming of playing Champions League football next season, and to do that, we have to finish strong,” Gündoğan said.

Gündoğan shared these thoughts during a recent interview with ESPN