Ilkay Gundogan reflects on Manchester City's dip in form

Ilkay Gundogan has spoken out about Manchester City’s recent dip in form, attributing it to a loss of the “desire” that once powered their dominance.

Despite winning the Premier League title in four consecutive seasons and securing six of the last seven league titles, Pep Guardiola’s side has struggled to maintain their usual high standard in the 2024–25 campaign.

A tough run of results in November and December saw City slip down the table, and with just seven league matches remaining, they now sit in sixth place.

With the top five positions guaranteeing Champions League football next season, every match has become crucial for the defending champions.

Gundogan, who captained City during their historic treble-winning campaign, suggested that a lack of intensity and a shift in collective mentality could be behind the club’s current struggle to secure a top-five finish, rather than challenging for yet another Premier League title.

A tough run of results in November and December saw City slip down the table

“I feel like in a lot of games from our side maybe we gave sometimes a bit too much importance to tactics and didn’t really pay attention much on behaviour; behaviours of ourselves,” Gundogan told ESPN.

“Having that determination, that desire, aggressivity. Like simple things that are part of the game, but maybe sometimes you just think too much about positioning yourself or whatever. You might forget the other things that are kind of normal or that should be normal at least.”

Man City’s recent upturn in form has given fans renewed hope for a strong finish to the season.

For Gundogan, one standout moment was the FA Cup quarter-final comeback against Bournemouth in March, where City came from behind to win 2-1.

“Honestly, in the last few games I see a certain change, especially that uncomfortable, very uncomfortable game against Bournemouth in the FA Cup,” he added.

“The way they play — aggressive, physically strong — and the way we behave there away at their place, especially after also conceding the first one, I think it was just unbelievable.”