Ilkay Gundogan has re-joined the Manchester City leadership group to make six captains for this season. The midfielder, who returned to the Etihad Stadium this summer after leaving for Barcelona in 2023, was immediately voted in as one of the captains of the squad. The players vote at the end of the summer transfer window to decide which players will lead the group for the campaign.
Gundogan skippered the Blues to the Treble in his final year at the club before leaving. His return has been welcomed by fans and teammates alike, and his inclusion in the captaincy group is a testament to his leadership qualities and the respect he commands within the squad.
While Gundogan is back in, he has not ousted anybody that stepped up in his absence after a vote that Pep Guardiola described as 'tight'. Kyle Walker remains as the captain, with Kevin De Bruyne vice and Rodri, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva also given the extra responsibility. This leadership group demonstrates the depth of talent and experience within the Manchester City squad.
Gundogan's Return to the Captaincy Group
Gundogan’s return to the captaincy group comes at a time when Manchester City are facing a number of challenges. Rodri, who was a key part of the club’s success last season, is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained against Arsenal last Sunday. The absence of Rodri will be a big blow for Guardiola, who will have to find a way to cope without one of his most important players.
The Impact of Rodri's Absence
Guardiola has already started to think about how he will replace Rodri. He is not looking for a like-for-like replacement for Rodri, and plans on relying on existing players to fill the void, suggesting that Rico Lewis could be a solution. It remains to be seen how Guardiola will put together his Manchester City line-up with Rodri missing due to injury, although particular elements of his plans have already been openly discussed.
However, Guardiola acknowledged that the challenge of replacing Rodri’s unique skillset is immense. “If you say, ‘OK Pep, you have money to buy a player like Rodri’. They’re not on the market! Because he’s really, really good,” he said in his prematch news conference ahead of Saturday’s game away to Newcastle United.
“Everybody knows, even our opponents and how happy they are. Everybody knows the mindset and now realizes that Rodri is part of the fundamentals and many, many things and many processes – that is the truth.” Guardiola’s words highlight the immense impact Rodri has on the team, both on and off the pitch.
Pep Guardiola’s Focus on Finding Solutions
Despite the challenges ahead, Guardiola remains optimistic about his team's ability to cope with Rodri’s absence. “We have to find a solution as a team, me as a manager to say to the players, these important players, otherwise we would not play them a thousand million minutes that they play, and consistent, and recovery and whatever. But we have to move forward, move on.”
The manager is confident that his players will step up to the challenge. He emphasized the strength of the squad and its ability to overcome adversity, stating that Manchester City has a history of success even in the face of injuries. “We have played four games this season without him, and we won them. And of course he’s important, but even if we won a lot of games, he would be missed. But we have to try to do it, and when we lose a game, OK it would not be specifically for Rodri.”
Navigating the Challenges and Looking Ahead
The absence of Rodri is a significant challenge for Manchester City, but it is one that they are prepared to face. Guardiola has shown confidence in his team’s ability to overcome adversity, and he is eager to see how his players react to the challenge. The team’s ability to adapt and find solutions will be a major factor in their success this season.
The captaincy group has seen significant changes this season with the return of Gundogan and the continued leadership of Walker, De Bruyne, Dias, Silva, and Rodri. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these leaders guide Manchester City towards their goals.
The Future of Manchester City
Manchester City’s success last season has set a high bar for the current campaign. The team will need to overcome the challenges of key player injuries and maintain their competitive edge to achieve similar heights. Despite these obstacles, Guardiola and his team are ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead, and they are confident that they can continue to compete at the highest level.
The leadership group, with its blend of experience and talent, will be essential in steering Manchester City through the season’s twists and turns. The team’s ability to adapt, evolve, and overcome adversity will be crucial in achieving their goals. The future of Manchester City is bright, and the team is well-positioned to continue its dominance on the domestic and international stages.
