Ilkay Gundogan didn’t hesitate when choosing between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp after naming the manager who had biggest influence on him

Ilkay Gundogan, who has been coached by both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp during his career, has revealed which of the two iconic managers has had a greater impact on him.

The German midfielder joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023 after Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season, where they secured the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles.

However, due to the ongoing financial difficulties at the Spanish club, Gundogan had the option to return to Manchester City for free last month.

Gundogan initially signed with City in 2016 and is one of the current squad members who has experienced title races against Klopp’s renowned Liverpool side as well as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team.

In a recent interview, the German international reflected on the difference between competing with both teams.

“It’s a bit different to the Liverpool rivalry,” Gundogan noted. “Because of the way the teams play. Arsenal are much more similar to how we play than Klopp’s Liverpool ever were,” he elaborated.

“Mikel knows this club, the players, and the manager very well. He worked with Pep and there is a huge influence from Pep on Mikel.”

Despite having played under Klopp for several years during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan did not choose the former Liverpool manager when asked which of the two has had the most influence on him.

“It will also be the same with me if I coach. Pep will be a massive influence on how I want my teams to play,” he said.

This revelation may not be too surprising, given that others have already followed Pep’s philosophy when transitioning into management.

Examples include Arteta and Enzo Maresca, who are both coaches in the Premier League and have emerged directly from Guardiola’s coaching staff.