“They Wanted to Leave!” – Pep Guardiola Drops Massive Confession on Ilkay Gundogan & Riyad Mahrez Exit

Manchester City made strides in the soccer world by revamping the squad significantly during last summer’s transfer window. Aside from out-of-the-box signings, there were a few notable departures, including the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, who made a surprise switch to FC Barcelona, and Riyad Mahrez, who took the popular route and joined the Saudi Arabian side, Al Ahli. While one would think it was the club who sold them, Pep Guardiola revealed it was rather both of the player’s desire to leave, as he wanted them to stay put in Manchester.

Both Gundogan and Mahrez played a crucial role in City’s historic treble win last season. Yet, somehow, the two didn’t want to continue at the club. 

Pep Guardiola sheds light on the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez

Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Luton Town. Amid the conclusion of the pre-match conference, the Spanish coach gave insights that all teams can have a bad season. However, somehow, he ended up revealing the reason behind the departure of his former players, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez. He said, “I wanted [Ilkay] Gundo to stay here, I wanted Riyad [Mahrez] to stay here, but they wanted to leave!” For a new challenge in life, family issues, for whatever”.

“Thank you so much guys, because never it could have happened without you, never, impossible, impossible!”, he concluded. Certainly, listening to such praise from the master tactician must have brought a smile to the faces of the German and Algerian veterans. Yet, it is quite surprising to hear that both players wanted a move away. Notably, Gundogan made 304 appearances for City, notching 60 goals and 40 assists after arriving in 2016. On the other hand, Mahrez arrived in 2018 and made 236 apps and bagged 78 goals and 59 assists.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola recently also expressed his concerns over his out-of-favor $57 million signing. 

READ MORE: “Gary Neville Never Won 4” – Pep Guardiola Goes Ballistic on Jamie Carragher, Snubbing Concerns of ‘Complacency’ in Manchester City

Guardiola expresses worries over Manchester City’s unused defensive anchor

In a recent discussion with The Athletic, Pep Guardiola discussed Kalvin Phillips’ limited playing time. While claiming he feels sorry for the English star, the master tactician insists Kalvin Phillips is a perfect example of a ‘good personality and character’. He then added, “It’s just because I visualize something, I visualize the team and I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all.” 

Notably, the 28-year-old midfielder has made just four appearances this season in the Premier League. The former Leeds anchor was injured for quite a bit of last season and couldn’t help but carry it into this season too. Indeed, it is quite saddening to see the unfortunate situation faced by Kalvin Phillips.

What do you think of the current Manchester City squad? Let us know in the comments below.

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