Pep Guardiola has told Man City what to do over Ilkay Gundogan

The Germany international sent another reminder of his abilities with a brace at the weekend, with his Man City contract up in the summer.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told the club to do everything possible to retain the services of captain Ilkay Gundogan.

The 32-year-old midfielder’s contract will expire in the summer. Rumors linking him with a move to Barcelona have been non-stop. However, he continues to shine for City, scoring a second straight league double in Sunday’s 3-0 victory at Everton. He also assisted Erling Haaland’s goal, City’s second of the game, at Goodison Park.

“I told the club,” Guardiola replied when asked by reporters if he has asked the club to do everything to keep Gundogan after the final whistle.

“Nobody knows what will happen. Hopefully, he will stay.”

‘This is the power of a leader’

Gundogan has made 13-goal contributions (eight goals, five assists) in 30 games to edge closer to winning a fifth Premier League title at City this season.

“He doesn’t talk much but when he does everybody listens, this is the power of a leader,” Guardiola added.

“He shows every training session his leadership, arriving on time, [and] living the job. He can play holding midfield defensively too in games like against Burnley last season when you need physicality.

“He is so intelligent, so clever, and can handle the pressure really well.”

Gundogan and City now turn their focus to Wednesday’s second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, with both sides level at 1-1 on aggregate.