Ilkay Gundogan believes Manchester City will only get better as they set their sights on winning the Champions League.
City are expected to complete the formalities of a last 16 victory over Basle at the Etihad on Wednesday after taking a 4-0 lead in the first leg in Switzerland.
Although Gundogan disputes that the Premier League champions elect are favourites for the Champions League as well, he admits that the best is yet to come for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Ilkay Gundogan has said ominously that he believes Man City are only just getting started
The German was speaking ahead of City’s Champions League second leg match with Basle
City dominated reigning champions Chelsea at the Etihad on Sunday as they took another step towards the title, with Gundogan setting a new Premier League record for passes completed. More records could fall before May, but the Germany star believes this is just the start.
‘We still think there is a lot more potential,’ said Gundogan. ‘We are still on a journey. We started together with the club one-and-a-half years ago. We still feel we are not there where we want to be, but we are quite happy at the moment.
‘It is the second leg of the last eight of the Champions League. It is always important, no matter how the first leg was. The Champions League is a big stage for us and, of course, we want to win it. We want to play in a really serious way and our way.’
Gundogan (left) pictured with Nicolas Otamendi (middle) and Ederson in training this week
Celebrating Sunday’s important Premier League win over Chelsea with manager Pep Guardiola
Asked if City consider themselves among the favourites, Gundogan replied: ‘It is something that it is not in our heads. Everyone has his own opinion of the way we play. We always hear it is quite impressive, but at the end it is our style.
‘It is what we want to achieve in every single game. The results of the last games, it doesn’t matter if it is Champions League or Premier League or other competitions.
‘Other people like to see us at the same level as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but we still feel we are not there yet. If we have to play one day against them, we want to be ready.’
Gundogan has impressed in a more defensive midfield role in the absence of Fernandinho, and is showing that form that persuaded Guardiola to make him his first signing at City after two years of knee problems.
Gundogan makes a break through the Chelsea lines during Sunday’s 1-0 win at the Etihad
‘I am a different player right now because of all the experiences I had and all the injuries I had,’ said the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
‘I couldn’t say I am the same as three or four years ago. I have to accept what happened in the past, but I am very comfortable with the situation.
‘Every game helps me to be more and more in form. Hard work definitely pays off and that is what I did in the last few months.
‘I see myself wherever my manager sees me. If I have to play this position, I want to fulfil it 100 per cent in a perfect way. If I have to be more disciplined in a defensive way, I have to do it. But if I have to play in a more offensive role, I am happy with that.’