Gundogan explains why Manchester City aren’t ‘big team’ – ‘We would’ve taken Tottenham apart’

Manchester City’s trip to London on Tuesday was certainly an action packed one.

Tottenham’s Danny Rose gave away a penalty, after being caught by VAR, but Hugo Lloris saved Sergio Aguero’s effort.

Son Heung-min put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead and Tottenham went on to win the match. Harry Kane looks like he may miss the return leg, after picking up an ankle injury, and City’s Fernandinho could also be absent if UEFA decide to take action over his apparent attack on the same player.

All is still very much to play for, although Spurs will certainly be happy they’re taking a lead to the Etihad, and without an away goal for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Ilkay Gundogan spoke to Sky Deutschland after the match, and the Manchester City player made absolutely clear that he wasn’t happy with the performance or approach to the match, feeling that his side have an issue when it comes to the latter stages of the Champions League.

SportBild have picked up the comments and quote the midfielder as saying: “We were not brave enough in the game, there were many simple mistakes. I have the feeling that we are nervous in important Champions League games. We have always made the wrong decisions. In such games, we always want to do something special because it means: Champions League semi-finals. Sometimes less is more.

“After the missed penalty came the break. Such negative experiences always throw us back too much. If we put the penalty in, we would have taken Tottenham apart. That’s how we got out of the game. That must not happen to a big team. That’s why we’re not there yet.”

Truth-bombs from the midfielder, but it’ll all be forgotten if Pep’s side manage a comeback in the second-leg.