Leroy Sane reacts to Ilkay Gundogan’s emotional Man City message after Brighton
Ilkay Gundogan wrote an emotional message to Man City supporters via social media following a frustrating 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
The German played one of his best games since returning to the Etihad on 15 March, assisting Omar Marmoush’s long-range goal in the first half after Erling Haaland tucked away a penalty.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side did grab one back in between the two City goals – Pervis Estupinan tucking a smart free-kick away past Stefan Ortega, with their equaliser coming via Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal.
The 34-year-old was picked over the likes of Man City exit-linked Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, and, surprisingly, he was one of the brightest players in the squad despite a slow start to his return.
Kaoru Mitoma’s disallowed goal could have changed the game for Brighton, but Guardiola’s side were able to hold out for two points against the European-chasing Seagulls.
Ilkay Gundogan back to his best despite Brighton draw
Taking to Instagram [15 March], Gundogan wrote: “A draw we need to work with – and put in everything to get back to winning again! Thanks for your support today – see you guys in two weeks,” with a praying emoji.
Leroy Sane, who spent four seasons at the Etihad, liked the post, as did his teammate Savinho.
Pep Guardiola under serious pressure as Man City struggles continue
Football Insider verdict
Guardiola is testing the patience of Man City supporters this season, especially after having lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest the game before only just picking up a point against Brighton.
The Catalan might also be losing the trust of his players, with many suspecting that Guardiola has fallen out with Jack Grealish, who continues to only appear on the City bench.
| Man City’s last five Premier League results |
| Man City 2-2 Brighton |
| Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man City |
| Tottenham 0-1 Man City |
| Man City 0-2 Liverpool |
| Man City 4-0 Newcastle United |
Champions League football, unlike other seasons, is not a guarantee for the 10-time Premier League champions next term, with a number of other teams vying for a top-four finish.
With how the current campaign has unfolded, the squad is likely to undergo quite the rebuild in addition to the big-money moves for Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez.
De Bruyne, Grealish, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones and Bernardo Silva are all names being linked with an emotional exit this summer, and some new blood could be exactly what the team need.