Man City star makes honest admission after Liverpool ‘left behind’ rivals

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Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan gave an honest assessment of Liverpool’s march to their maiden Premier League title, and compared and contrasted Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola having played under both coaches.

Liverpool surged to a whopping 25-point lead atop the Premier League table prior to football’s coronavirus-related hiatus.

Fans of the club had feared The Reds’ mammoth efforts would be squandered if a null and void scenario was ruled appropriate, but the football authorities green lit Project Restart, due to commence on June 17.

That decision means Liverpool could secure their maiden Premier League title as soon as their first game back versus Everton (pending Man City’s prior result), and City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has admitted the reigning champions were simply “left behind” by their counterparts.

Speaking to Turkish website Fanatik (via The Daily Mail and Daily Mirror), the 29-year-old admitted: “We were left behind in the championship race this season in the Premier League.

“We couldn’t show an effect like the last two seasons [when] we are champions.

“Whether we play good football or play good matches, there are points we have simply lost.

“Liverpool came to this level without losing many points, so we lost a lot of points, so the difference increased.”

 

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are considered by many to not only be the two finest managers the Premier League has to offer, but the two finest in world football.

Gundogan holds the unique position of having played under both coaches, having spent four years under Klopp while at Borussia Dortmund.

Regarding the differing methods the two coaches employ that both bring success, Gundogan said: “Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are the two best teachers in the world.

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“Four years have passed with Klopp [at Liverpool]. A teacher I love very much. He creates an amazing team spirit and motivates footballers incredibly.

“Pep is at a very high tactical level. A teacher who wants to know every detail of the game. I have not seen a teacher who improved himself tactically.

“Their styles are different, but both are very successful. Although they are very different, they are both the world’s top two teachers for now.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans have been given a brief piece of good news following recent transfer developments after news emerged of fresh talks commencing over a crucial Klopp lieutenant.