Guardiola ‘misses’ player Manchester City let go in summer – ‘Regrets’ and annoyance over slow efforts to keep him

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ‘misses’ İlkay Gündoğan at the Etihad, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Germany international spent seven years with the Citizens before leaving them as a free agent at the end of last season.

Gündoğan was vital in helping Manchester City win the treble last season, scoring a brace in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United.

Guardiola’s side made efforts to retain the midfielder and even offered him a new deal. However, he turned it down and joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer.

The manager misses the 33-year-old’s presence and impact on and off the pitch. Manchester City signed Mateo Kovačić and Matheus Nunes to strengthen their midfield last summer and the duo haven’t done enough for Guardiola to forget about Gündoğan.

Mundo now state the English champions have ‘regrets’ and are annoyed after being slow in their efforts to renew the 33-year-old’s contract.

Gündoğan has managed five goals and 12 assists from 45 games for Barcelona this season. He’s had his own frustrations in Barcelona, especially when being called out for demanding higher standards from his teammates.