Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hit out at pundits who have criticised Ilkay Gundogan over recent weeks.
The 27-year-old has had an interesting seven days. Gundogan was taken off after just 45 minutes during City’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Lyon.
He was, however, the start of the show with a goal and an assist as City blew Cardiff City away on Saturday.
Guardiola hailed Gundogan as an “extraordinary player” while talking to reporters after the weekend clash.
Furthermore, the Spanish tactician stated that the way Gundogan was singled out for criticism by the press was unfair.
“He [Gundogan] played good but not the level we expect because he’s an extraordinary player. He keeps the pressure,” Gundogan was quoted as saying the by the Manchester Evening News.
“Never forget that when we judge a player we judge with ten other players.
“Sometimes the team doesn’t play so good or the guys close to him don’t play so good. When one player plays good, the team plays good.
“When the team is not playing in the same level, I’m going to tell you he played bad? No, no, no.”
See More: (Video) Man City ace revealed he was “lucky” to avoid serious injury during Cardiff clash
Gundogan is likely to be rested when Man City take on Oxford United in the Carabao Cup today. The Citizens next Premier League fixture is up against Brighton this weekend.
