Gundogan: Man City’s decline rooted in lost hunger, not just tactics

Former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gündogan has pointed to a dip in “desire and determination” as a key reason behind the club’s underwhelming 2024/25 campaign.

He warns that tactical rigidity may have overshadowed the core mentality that once defined their dominance.

Despite winning four consecutive league titles under Pep Guardiola and six in the past seven seasons, City currently sit sixth in the Premier League with seven games to play.

With only the top five spots securing Champions League qualification, every point has become critical.

Speaking to ESPN, Gündogan suggested the team’s struggles go beyond injuries or strategic choices.

“I feel like in a lot of games… maybe we gave sometimes a bit too much importance to tactics and didn’t really pay attention much on behaviour,” he said.

“Having that determination, that desire, aggressivity… you might forget the other things that are kind of normal or that should be normal at least.”

Gündogan cited City’s recent FA Cup comeback against Bournemouth as a rare moment when the squad rediscovered its edge:

“Especially after conceding the first one… the way we behaved there… I think it was just unbelievable.”

With Champions League qualification still on the line, City face a crucial test against Crystal Palace next on Saturday afternoon.