Ilkay Gundogan directly responds to ‘disappointing footage’ of his performance in Man City’s loss to Juventus in a candid and straightforward interview.

Manchester City fans have highlighted a disheartening moment involving Ilkay Gundogan as Pep Guardiola’s side endured their seventh defeat of the season, losing to Juventus.

Second-half goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie deepened the woes of the Premier League champions, who now have just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions.

City’s familiar struggles persisted as they failed to capitalize on possession and were repeatedly exposed on turnovers. With Ballon d’Or winner Rodri sidelined for an extended period and Mateo Kovacic recently injured, Gundogan has been tasked with anchoring the midfield alone. However, the 34-year-old has struggled to keep up in what has been a challenging spell for the club.

Gundogan, who returned to City on a free transfer after a year at Barcelona following his historic treble-winning season as captain, appears to be feeling the effects of age. A clip from the Juventus game underscored his decline, showing him struggling to track back during a counterattack. In a candid interview with TNT Sports, Gundogan acknowledged the vulnerabilities in City’s game, particularly when defending transitions.

“At the moment, it feels like every attack we concede is so dangerous,” Gundogan said. “Sometimes we’re a bit careless in duels. Instead of keeping it simple, we overcomplicate things, mistiming passes or losing possession. It gives the opposition counterattacks, and we have to chase 50, 60 meters back every time. That’s not what we’re built for. We’re built for possession and control, and right now, it’s not working out.”

The loss leaves City in 22nd place in the Champions League standings, just one point ahead of PSG, who occupy the first elimination spot in 25th. City face PSG in Paris on January 22, followed by a final group-stage game against Club Brugge at the Etihad. Before that, they have the Manchester derby against United on Sunday, with potential new signings expected before their upcoming European

fixtures.