Ilkay Gundogan has called on “every single Manchester City player to question themselves” and address the team’s “mental issue” following their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s side struggled against Juventus on Wednesday night, with Dusan Vlahovic scoring the opener in the 53rd minute. Second-half substitute Weston McKennie added a second goal with an impressive acrobatic strike, leaving City without a reply.
The result is concerning for the reigning champions, as it places them 22nd in the league standings—well outside the automatic qualification spots and at risk of not advancing to the knockout stages. City has won only once in their last 10 matches, and Gundogan believes the team’s struggles stem from a lack of confidence.
“It’s very disappointing,” Gundogan told TNT Sports. “I feel like we had chances to score a few goals, but it feels like every attack we concede is so dangerous. Sometimes we are a bit careless in duels and, instead of playing simply, we overcomplicate things.”
He emphasized that confidence plays a significant role in their performance, noting, “In crucial moments right now, we are always doing the wrong things. We know what is going wrong, yet we still struggle to find the switch.”
In a rallying cry to his teammates, Gundogan urged, “Every single player individually has to question themselves and how they can sacrifice more to contribute.”
Man City will now return to England, aiming to reverse their lackluster form in an upcoming match against crosstown rivals Manchester United, who have also faced recent challenges.