Ilkay Gundogan hails Manchester City's performance over Barcelona
Wednesday 2 November 2016 15:20, UK
For Manchester City's goalscoring hero Ilkay Gundogan, it was the morning after the night before, as the 26-year-old midfielder basked in the glory of their 3-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona on Tuesday.
The former Borussia Dortmund player netted twice at the Etihad Stadium, three days after notching a brace at West Brom.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ on Wednesday, the German admitted: "There are a lot of smiling faces and we deserve to enjoy today.
"It was an enjoyable evening and a well-deserved three points."
As for City's future progress in the competition, they are now two points behind Group C leaders Barcelona with two matches remaining.
And Gundogan went on: "For our group stage development, it was very important. Barcelona is one of the toughest opponents you can have.
"Because of the situation we were in, in the group, it was necessary to win.
"We were under pressure. It was not an easy game, especially the first half. For 30 minutes they played well but, in the second half, we were quite impressive."
Premier League Highlights
From a personal perspective, Gundogan is also satisfied with how his form - following his recovery from a knee injury - is going, although he says he still has some improvements to make.
He added: "It's been hard work over the last few weeks but I'm happy to be back and closer to 100 per cent.
"But for me, the important part is not scoring, it's about those one-on-ones and making the correct pass as a midfielder.
Because of the situation we were in, in the group, it was necessary to win.
"There are a lot more things on which I can improve."
As for playing under new City manager Pep Guardiola, he went on: "He has a style of play that he wants and we (the players) are happy to be part of that project.
"Not everything is perfect after just three months, we need patience. And sometimes it's not about tactics, it's about mentality."
Gundogan was interviewed during City's event held to celebrate 30 Years in the Community.
