Despite a commanding 6-0 victory over Al Ain in the Club World Cup group stage, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has issued a stern warning to his teammates, urging them to eliminate moments of complacency as the club braces for a potential Last 16 clash with Real Madrid.
⚽ “We Set Seven as Our Target”—Gundogan’s Honest Assessment
Gundogan, who netted two goals in the match, expressed disappointment over City’s inability to score a seventh goal, which would have secured top spot in Group G ahead of Juventus. The German international pointed to a “slow start” in the second half and lapses in precision as areas of concern.
“We set seven (goals) as our target at half time but unfortunately we didn’t start the second half good enough, we were a bit slow,” Gundogan said. “Even in the first half there were short periods where we were not that precise… At the highest level, you should not allow yourself to be not good for such a long time”.
🏆 City’s Qualification and Real Madrid Looming
While the win guarantees City a place in the Round of 16, finishing second in the group could pit them against Real Madrid, a team that knocked them out of the UEFA Champions League earlier this year. City will now need to beat Juventus in their final group match to avoid that scenario.
🌟 Standout Performances and Tactical Notes
- Claudio Echeverri scored a stunning free-kick—his first goal for City
- Rayan Cherki and Oscar Bobb added late goals off the bench
- Erling Haaland converted a penalty but missed several clear chances
- Pep Guardiola praised the team’s “body language” and Echeverri’s dedication to free-kick practice
🔄 Gundogan’s Future and Leadership Role
Amid speculation linking him to Galatasaray, Gundogan reaffirmed his commitment to City, stating:
“I have one more year left on my contract and I’m very happy here… I want to play at the highest level for much longer”.
Stay tuned for updates on Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign.
