Ilkay Gundogan has warned Manchester City and its supporters not to compare the new manager to Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has brought the curtain down on a glorious decade in charge at the Etihad, one which saw him lead his side to a remarkable 20 trophies, including six league titles and the Treble in 2023.
Maresca Expected to Take Over
Enzo Maresca is the red-hot favourite to be chosen as Guardiola's successor and take on what many consider 'mission impossible'. The Italian, who was sacked by Chelsea at the start of 2026, has held talks with club bosses and is expected to agree an initial three-year deal.
Gundogan's Advice
Gundogan believes whoever replaces Guardiola should be allowed to be his own man, because he admits no-one will ever compare to the outgoing Spaniard. Gundogan said: 'I think the most difficult thing is not to try to compare too much. There are obviously a few names circling around, and we might be able to see who it's going to be.'
'But maybe don't try to compare one to the other, because at the end of the day, every manager has his small little details. Maybe not as a general, but there are things that they would like to do differently. They are different as human beings.'
'They like other things than other people like, so just accept it, try to get to where that comes in, welcome with open arms. And I think the club is very good and very smart in taking the right decisions, so I'm sure that the new person coming in will be also very successful.'
Fights on the Training Ground
Gundogan, who won 14 major trophies under Guardiola, revealed how he used to fight with his former boss on the training ground. The midfielder, who used to live next door to Guardiola in Manchester city centre, added: 'There are so many memories to be honest. Where I got into fights with him on the training pitch.'
'We still talk about one situation that happened in training, when he was still here. Pep was saying something and I screamed back at him, but he was actually saying something nice to me and I lost my head. He was laughing about the whole situation.'
Neighbourly Bond
'I have a laugh about it. Obviously me being his neighbour, that gave more opportunities to exchange conversations, by just having a glass of wine or champagne, or whatever. So I really appreciated that - and I really appreciate him as a man. As a manager we don't need to talk about him, everyone loves it, but as a human being, for me, he's an amazing human being.'
Gundogan's comments come as Manchester City prepare for a new era, with the club expected to announce Guardiola's replacement in the coming days. Fans are urged to give the new manager time and support as he steps into the shoes of one of football's greatest coaches.
