sport news JACK GAUGHAN: Man City will miss irreplaceable Ilkay Gundogan if he leaves this ... trends now
When Fernandinho was still around, the guys who hear it all in the dressing room were talking about Ilkay Gundogan. He wasn’t the one wearing that armband but seemed to be the man who picked his moments for leadership.
Manchester City have a few big characters in their squad, with louder voices. There are brasher individuals, perhaps even more confident. Gundogan’s ascent to captain is, on the surface, surprising. A quiet man. Polite, thoughtful. A thinker.
Yet the speeches referenced as big ones in Fernandinho’s final year were those from the technical craftsman in their midfield. He knew the right time to chime in. They were never rip-roarers and Gundogan will argue they do not need to be. When he speaks, people listen and there is deep respect for him among that squad.
And he does his homework, so had something prepared for Wembley. City gathered for a huddle in their own half before Paul Tierney blew to start the second leg of their Treble bid, a huddle that lasted so long it almost delayed kick-off.
Gundogan had his words sorted for one of the biggest afternoons of his illustrious City career. Only for Ruben Dias to go and nick his spotlight.
Ilkay Gundogan (pictured) has been one of Pep Guardiola's best signings at Manchester City
The Manchester City captain (holding trophy) guided his side to FA Cup glory on Saturday, scoring twice to help the Citizens dispatch rivals Manchester United at Wembley Stadium
‘I was preparing to do my speech but Ruben wanted to say some words, so he did it,’ Gundogan laughed. ‘Most of the time it is me but sometimes there are players who like to talk and it is good that other players want to say things.
‘Ruben found the right words before kick-off. We do it in a huddle so it stays private but you can imagine. Motivational words for the boys.’
Gundogan took it with good grace and anyway, he stole the thunder back within 12 seconds, adding another iconic moment to his lengthy list at the club. Up there with the brace against Aston Villa on last year’s dramatic final day and the German is someone who regularly saves his very best for when it really matters.
The complete Pep Guardiola footballer, in sync with the manager who lives next door in the fancy city centre apartment block. They do occasionally socialise with each other and Guardiola calls him a friend.
The City boss is praying that relationship continues, with Gundogan’s future not yet resolved and Barcelona hoping he agrees a two-year contract on a free transfer. City have offered a more structured deal, believed to be one year plus the option of a second, and talks continue.
Gundogan's (right) future at the club is not set in stone, with Pep Guardiola's (left) side set to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final next week as they bid for a historic treble
If he were to go, City would not only lose a gifted midfielder, Guardiola’s first signing in 2016 who is exceptionally difficult to replace, but the unassuming captain who could be the one that is forever remembered if things go to plan this week.
‘In this side, it is very special to be elected by your team-mates to be their captain,’ said Gundogan. ‘I think it is
