Man City Fans Demand Pep Guardiola Drop Key Player After Champions League Comeback Victory
Manchester City fans have voiced their frustration and urged manager Pep Guardiola to drop Ilkay Gundogan following the team’s hard-fought UEFA Champions League victory over Club Brugge.
City’s High-Stakes Champions League Challenge
Heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures in this season’s Champions League, the pressure was mounting on City. Guardiola’s side needed a victory to secure their progression to the next stage, and the match against Club Brugge proved to be a significant test of their resilience.
Despite City’s dominance in possession, the English champions found themselves trailing at halftime after Raphael Onyedika’s goal gave the Belgian side a shock 1-0 lead. The setback meant Guardiola’s men needed to produce a strong second-half performance to avoid an early exit from the competition.
City eventually rose to the occasion, turning the game around with a determined display. Goals from Mateo Kovacic and Savinho, along with an own goal by Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, secured a 3-1 comeback victory. The win ensured City’s place in the play-off round, where they finished in 22nd place overall.
With their progression confirmed, City now face the daunting challenge of taking on either Spanish giants Real Madrid or Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a spot in the round of 16.
Fans Turn on Gundogan After Lackluster Display
While City’s comeback secured their passage to the next phase, many fans were left unimpressed with Ilkay Gundogan’s performance and took to social media to call for Guardiola to drop him from the starting lineup.
One frustrated fan wrote:
“Will Pep Guardiola finally realize what everyone else already knows, that Gundogan is a walking dead, and with him, we’re playing a man down?”
Another commented:
“Gundogan is past it. No legs. Get the young lads in. McAtee?”
A third supporter expressed disappointment at the midfielder’s form, stating:
“Pep needs to realize Gundogan just isn’t the same guy who left us after the treble, it’s sad but he’s done at the highest level!”
Another fan questioned Guardiola’s team selection, adding:
“What was Pep thinking starting Gundogan? He is beyond finished.”
One more supporter criticized the tactical decisions that led to Gundogan’s inclusion in the lineup:
“Doesn’t take a genius to know Gundogan was the issue. Seriously, Foden on the left wing over Savinho just to have Gundogan in midfield? Madness.”
Gundogan’s Struggles Since His Return to City
Gundogan played a crucial role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign before leaving the club in the summer of 2023 to join Barcelona. However, after just one season in La Liga, the German midfielder made a surprise return to the Etihad Stadium. His second stint with City has so far failed to live up to expectations, with many supporters feeling he has been a shadow of the player who once dictated games in midfield.
His sluggish performances have raised concerns about whether he can still contribute at the highest level, especially as City prepare for a grueling second half of the season that will see them competing on multiple fronts.
Guardiola Remains Focused on City’s Bigger Picture
Speaking after the match, Guardiola acknowledged the importance of securing qualification but emphasized that the team must improve in the coming weeks.
“We did it. We are there. In two weeks, we’ll be better than we are right now because new players will come back, new signings against these two giants [Real Madrid or Bayern Munich]—one of them we’re going to play, and we’ll see what happens,” Guardiola said.
Despite the criticism of Gundogan, the City boss has always placed faith in his experienced players. However, with crucial matches ahead, including a high-stakes Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday, Guardiola may be forced to reconsider his midfield choices.
With fans growing increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will persist with Gundogan or opt for fresh legs in midfield as City push forward in their bid for domestic and European success.
