Gundogan questions readiness after weeks benched at Galatasaray

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 11:37 · Archive

Former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 35, has played just 11 minutes for Galatasaray this season and questioned why he should be ready to face Barcelona.

Ilkay Gundogan, the 35-year-old former Manchester City captain, questioned his readiness for Galatasaray's Champions League clash with Barcelona after weeks of limited playing time. When reporters asked him about his preparation for the midweek fixture, he responded: 'I'm not playing – so why should I be ready?'

Gundogan has struggled for game time at the Turkish club this season, playing just 11 minutes across Galatasaray's eight matches. He made a brief substitute appearance on the opening day against Corum and featured in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon, but has been an unused substitute in the club's last six league matches. Head coach Okan Buruk has preferred other options, selecting Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Sara in midfield for recent fixtures.

This represents a sharp reversal from Gundogan's debut campaign with Galatasaray, when he made 38 appearances in all competitions and helped the club win the Turkish Super Lig title. He has moved to Turkey after his second spell at Manchester City. Fellow former City player Leroy Sane is also struggling for regular starts at Galatasaray, appearing from the bench in four of the club's seven league games.

How it is being reported

• Ex-Man City skipper Ilkay Gundogan snaps back at reporter: "Why should I?"Former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan left the Etihad Stadium for the second time last summer in a switch to Galatasaray but despite a promising debut season, things have gone awryMirror Sport · 11 Oct, 11:16
• 'I'm not playing - so WHY should I be ready?': Ilkay Gundogan lashes out with frustrated remark ahead of clash with old club Barcelona - after weeks of rotting on Galatasaray's bench alongside former Man City team-mateFormer Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan questioned 'why should I be ready' when asked by a reporter about Galatasaray's upcoming tie against Barcelona.Daily Mail Sport · 10 Oct, 15:59

In this story: Ilkay Gundogan · Galatasaray · Barcelona · Manchester City · Okan Buruk · Leroy Sane

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem