Behind the scenes with Ilkay Gundogan as candid Pep Guardiola calls and Man City hold revealed

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan remained in contact with Pep Guardiola during his year away from the club.

Gundogan re-joined City on Friday after spending a season at Barcelona and made his second debut for the Blues in Saturday’s resounding 4-1 win over Ipswich Town. After his 20 minute cameo against the Tractor Boys, the 33-year-old spoke of his delight at being back home and his relationship with Guardiola.

He said: “It feels like returning home and it’s such a joy to be back here in this amazing club, playing this amazing football, trying to set standards. I feel very privileged that I have this opportunity.

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"I just feel maybe in terms of physicality, a bit more stiff than my first debut eight years ago but things change, times change and you have to adapt. A couple of details have changed as well, the way we are playing right now, I spoke with Pep and he showed me a few images, a few sequences, a few videos. I love the challenge and I love that everyone in this club is pushing each other to be the best possible version of himself.”

Pressed on Guardiola's role in the move, Gundogan added: “To be honest we were in touch throughout last year. We had more than a couple of phone calls.

“I went to his childhood club and he’s still a big fan of Barcelona, he doesn't make a secret out of it because he’s from there and it’s the club he loves.

“He rang me up a couple of times, I rang him, we spoke a little bit so the contact was never really gone. So when you have such a good relationship you can be honest and direct. And when I put