Pep Guardiola has thrown his support behind veteran star Ilkay Gundogan, confirming he’s set to stay at Manchester City despite a major squad overhaul being on the horizon. With City’s season falling short of expectations, having tumbled out of both the Premier League title race and the Champions League by February’s end, Guardiola is poised for a summer shake-up.
High-profile names such as Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, and Mateo Kovacic are all tipped for exits from the Etihad. Gundogan, who has had a challenging season since his return from Barcelona last summer and approaches his 35th birthday in October, was also rumoured to be on the chopping block.
However, Guardiola has disclosed that City are set to activate the 12-month extension clause in Gundogan’s contract. Speaking ahead of City’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Championship outfit Plymouth, Guardiola emphasised the importance of Gundogan’s experience to the squad’s younger members.
He said: “I think so (club set to extend deal). I cannot figure out my period here without Gundogan. The success we’ve had, as a manager, it’s impossible without these players.
“When they are upset or don’t play I can understand. The legacy we are going to leave behind for the next ones – the players, sporting directors, CEO’s – from the last decade or two, it happens because of these type of players.
“The reality is today, tomorrow, the next days, we try to win games and I take decisions. It’s never ever about them.”
Jack Grealish, who is eyeing a comeback amidst a tough season marred by injury troubles rather than a lack of faith, could be in line for a start against Plymouth.
Despite rumours of a potential exit, Guardiola stressed Grealish’s setbacks stem from fitness issues and that he has no doubts over his talent. He explained: “The reason Jack didn’t play much was because he was not able. He had niggles and problems.
“For this game, I don’t know if he will be ready to play in a game where you have to be there (physically). This is the question. There is no question mark about his quality, I’ve never ever doubted the quality Jack has.”
The only concern for Guardiola is consistency: “But because of problems, he has not played three games in a row, he played well against Nottingham Forest then afterwards didn’t play, and in a training session was injured again. This is the only question mark, not any other question mark.”
