Turkey Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan called on his teammates to stay alert against Inter's formidable counter-attacking ability in the Champions League final.
Gundogan predicted that Inter could cede possession to Man City, focusing on defense and counterattacks. "We need to be careful of Inter counterattacks," Gundogan told Man City's website on June 7. "The team has to be alert and focused, especially in a final."
On May 24, Inter beat Fiorentina 2-1 in the Italian Cup final. Earlier, on January 18, the black and blue striped team also defeated Milan 3-0 in the Italian Super Cup final. According to Gundogan, the two recent titles are proof that Inter know how to win. He also pointed out other advantages of the opponent such as dynamism, stability and effective attack.
Gundogan celebrates scoring in the FA Cup final win over Man Utd 2-1 on June 3. Photo: Reuters
Man City's No. 9, Erling Haaland, has 52 goals in 52 games this season. According to Gundogan, the presence of a striker like Haaland has helped Man City diversify their attacking capabilities. In addition to goals, the Norwegian star also brings physical strength, intelligence, speed, mentality and a positive personality. "Haaland has helped us a lot this season," said Gundogan. "Hopefully he will continue to help us in the final."
The Man City captain also praised the role of Pep Guardiola. According to Gundogan, the Spanish coach always knows how to improve players, challenge tactics and find solutions to problems. Gundogan believes that with what he has learned from Guardiola, along with the spirit and attitude of recent times, Man City will find it difficult to find opponents.
On June 10, the Champions League final between Man City and Inter took place at Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul, Türkiye. Gundogan's father and mother were both born in Türkiye, before immigrating to Germany. "Playing in my parents' homeland makes me extremely proud," Gundogan said. "My family, friends and I are all looking forward to it. For me, this will be a special final."
This season, Gundogan and his teammates have won the Premier League and the FA Cup. If they beat Inter, they will have won the treble. English football has only had one team win the treble, Man Utd 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 finished 0-1 to Chelsea. The 2021 match was also Man City's first ever European Cup/Champions League final.
Thanh Quy (according to Man City )
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