Pep Guardiola has reportedly noted the hole left in their squad by the absence of İlkay Gündoğan, who now plays for FC Barcelona.
Mateo Kovačić and Matheus Nunes have been used in his absence but neither has quite measured up to the German international.
Gündoğan was Guardiola’s first signings when he arrived at Manchester City, and one of the captains of the team. Guardiola has always been an admirer of his, but he was eventually allowed to leave on a free transfer.
There are some who say that Gündoğan would have changed the fortunes of the English club this season if he were available to play against Real Madrid. Regardless, City were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on penalties.
