Renan Ribeiro abre o jogo: 'Ainda não entendi por que saí do time'

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Em 13 de agosto, o São Paulo venceu o Cruzeiro, de virada, por 3 a 2, e Renan Ribeiro saiu do Morumbi falando sobre as negociações para renovar seu contrato, que acaba em 28 de maio. Mas, naquela semana, a situação mudou completamente: o goleiro ouviu de Dorival Júnior que sairia do time. E, até agora, ainda não entendeu o motivo.

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De férias, à espera de um posicionamento do Tricolor sobre o interesse em discutir a renovação, o goleiro, que fará 28 anos em março, conversou com o LANCE! Eleabriu o jogo a respeito das dúvidas que ainda tem sobre a decisão do técnico de colocar Sidão em seu lugar, sem descartar defender um novo time já a partir de janeiro.

-Tive de acatar, mas até hoje não consigo entender. Não tive nenhum argumento ou explicação que pudesse me convencer, mas acatei e segui trabalhando como sempre foi em todos esses anos de clube – disse o goleiro, que terminou o ano como atleta da posição que mais jogou no clube (30 partidas, contra 27 de Sidão e nove de Denis).

Na entrevista, Renan Ribeiro fala ainda que chegou a pedir para não ir ao banco de reservas para manter tratamento no joelho direito (atuou com dores enquanto foi titular) e lamentou a demissão de Rogério Ceni, técnico do time até julho.

Confira o bate-papo exclusivo do LANCE! com o goleiro:

Quais são seus planos para 2018?
Sinceramente, ainda não é algo que parei para pensar de maneira concreta. O que sei e posso garantir é que meu contrato com o São Paulo vai até maio de 2018. Por conta disso, ainda não tem como planejar muita coisa. Minha expectativa é de resolver isso ainda em dezembro ou, no máximo, janeiro. Preciso ter uma posição para saber como as coisas vão ficar. Independentemente disso, projeto um 2018 ainda melhor do que 2017, já que, neste ano, consegui jogar, mostrei meu trabalho e me senti pronto e preparado para seguir assim.

Este ano foi o que você mais jogou no São Paulo (foi, inclusive, o goleiro que mais atuou na temporada) e, ao mesmo tempo, passou o segundo semestre na reserva. Qual é o saldo final do ano para você?
Analisando o ano todo, vejo como muito positivo. Comecei com uma lesão, que me atrapalhou no início, mas depois, rapidamente, pude ter meu espaço, sequência, e mostrei meu trabalho. Era algo que buscava desde que cheguei ao São Paulo, em 2013, e consegui. E isso aconteceu nas mãos de um grande ídolo do clube, que conhece tudo ali dentro, especialista na posição e me viu crescer, evoluir e trabalhar duro durante todos esses anos. Termino como o atleta da posição com mais jogos em 2017 e isso me deixa feliz. A parte ruim ficou para o final, falando individualmente, quando não pude mais jogar. Mas o clube conseguiu terminar o Brasileiro de forma digna, permaneceu na Série A, e fico contente em ter feito parte disso.

Nos últimos jogos do ano, você ficou fora do banco. A informação oficial é que você trata uma tendinite no joelho direito, mas chegamos a vê-lo treinando normalmente. Sua condição física já está boa?
Sim, tive uma tendinite e fiquei fora para tratar e resolver este problema. Era algo que vinha comigo no período em que estava jogando também. Fazia tratamento, tomava remédio, treinava e jogava. Quando saí do time, optamos por zerar e ficar 100%. Isso aconteceu e fiquei à disposição. Em certos jogos, pedi para não ir, pois perderia dois dias de treinos. Como iria ficar no banco e tinha o Denis, pedi para treinar mais, ficar bem e em condições caso precisassem de mim. Também já pensando em 2018, para estar em ritmo e preparado.

Como foi seu relacionamento com o Dorival depois de ele te tirar do time? Ficou alguma mágoa? Consegue dizer se foi justo ou não?
Se foi justo ou não, só ele pode responder. No futebol, a gente não pode ter mágoa, mas não quer dizer que temos de aceitar todas as decisões. São opções e temos de respeitar. Eu disse a ele que não concordava, ainda mais naquele momento. Vínhamos de uma vitória contra o Cruzeiro, quando defendi uma bola importante no momento em que o time perdia por 2 a 1 e viramos depois. Estava me sentindo muito bem e preparado para seguir como titular. Como você já disse, termino como o goleiro com mais jogos no ano pelo São Paulo e isso me deixa satisfeito. Mas, ao mesmo tempo, sei que poderia ter feito mais, mas não foi possível. Respeito os meus companheiros de posição, mas os meus jogos mostravam que eu vinha evoluindo e poderia ajudar mais. Não entendi ainda o motivo de ter saído, pois vinha lutando há quatro anos por isso, para ter uma oportunidade, e foi encerrada uma sequência que entendi poder me fazer ser titular do São Paulo. Tive de acatar, mas até hoje não consigo entender. Não tive nenhum argumento ou explicação que pudesse me convencer, mas acatei e segui trabalhando como sempre foi em todos esses anos de clube. Torci de fora e fiquei feliz pelo clube ter saído da situação que estava, posição que nunca deveria ter chegado e não merecia por sua história.

Sidão recebeu elogios pelo turno que fez, mas você começou o Brasileiro apontado como um dos melhores goleiros da competição. Como você enxerga essa comparação e a sua situação final no Brasileiro?
O Sidão fez um grande campeonato também e isso comprova a qualidade que tínhamos na posição. E, como você disse, pelo turno que fiz, e até pelo Paulistão e pela Copa do Brasil, eu me via bem para seguir. Não só pela crítica, mas também pela torcida, comissão técnica, companheiros e a minha própria avaliação. Jogando, pude ver o que precisava melhorar e estava em busca disso. Eu estava vendo evolução, mas o time oscilava muito, principalmente nos resultados. Fazíamos bons jogos, mas às vezes não ganhávamos. Tanto que o Rogério acabou saindo, algo que lamentei muito. Foi ele quem me deu a oportunidade e me colocou para jogar. Alguém que conhece bem o clube, viu tudo o que fiz e o que passei nesses anos, e também é grande especialista na posição.

Soubemos de sondagens de outros clubes e você já está livre para assinar com outros times. Como lida com isso? Segue aguardando um posicionamento do São Paulo?
Temos algumas sondagens. Até porque os clubes já sabem da minha situação, me viram atuar este ano e estão cientes de que meu contrato com o São Paulo só está garantido até maio de 2018. Mas eu ainda preciso ter uma posição definitiva do São Paulo, se vão querer renovar ou de que não vão contar mais comigo. A partir do momento que tiver esta posição, vamos dar andamento ou não às sondagens que já tivemos.

No primeiro semestre, quando era titular absoluto, você falou repetidamente que queria renovar. Mantém essa vontade ou, hoje, aceitaria jogar em outro time já a partir de janeiro?
Sim, mantenho o meu desejo de permanecer no São Paulo. Mas preciso jogar, algo que também já disse em outras entrevistas, até mesmo antes da minha sequência, e acabou acontecendo. Eu me vejo pronto para jogar. Se no São Paulo eu não puder ter isso, vou respeitar, acatar, mas terei que seguir minha vida em outro lugar. Não quero me escalar, mas quero que as coisas sejam justas. Eu tinha uma sequência, tinha boa avaliação de todos, mas acabei saindo. Algo que respeito, mas não concordo. Então, temos que conversar e ver o melhor para todos os lados. Aceitaria jogar em outro clube em janeiro, sim. Se continuar na situação atual, isso pode ser melhor para mim e para o São Paulo. Mas temos que sentar, conversar, e definir, já que existe um vínculo vigente. Eu ainda tenho contrato até maio e vou aguardar uma posição deles, antes de tomar qualquer decisão, e aí, dependendo do que me passarem, seguir em frente no São Paulo ou fora.

Newcastle contact PSG over Keylor Navas

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s efforts to sign Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to RMC Sport, the Magpies have made an enquiry over a deal to sign the Paris Saint-Germain and former Real Madrid shot-stopper.

The report claims that PSG have turned down the Tynesiders’ initial move for the veteran, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will come back with another approach.

Get it done

Eddie Howe must ensure that Newcastle go back in with another swoop for Navas in an attempt to change PSG’s mind this month. Whilst the Ligue 1 leaders may have turned down an opening enquiry, there are still two weeks left in the transfer window and time for the Magpies to turn PSG’s heads.

The 35-year-old has been forced to share goalkeeping duties with Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma this season, and the prospect of regular first-team football could be tempting for him. Newcastle could offer him the chance to come in and play every single match in the Premier League, whereas that may not be the case in Ligue 1 for PSG as he splits game-time with the 22-year-old.

Navas could be an excellent addition to the Magpies’ squad and improve the quality between the sticks for Howe’s side, as he has proven himself at the very top level over a number of years.

 

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino previously lauded the shot-stopper saying: “Navas once again showed all his qualities. He’s a top-level goalkeeper. He’s one of the best keepers in the world.”

Last year, the Argentine said of him: “We can say his actions show his quality. He just proves that he’s at the highest level in the world.

“I think we all saw him tonight. There are good and bad times in football. In a match, you have to know how to hold on. We were able to do that, with the help of our great goalkeeper, who made the difference.”

He has a career average WhoScored rating of 6.96, showing that he has remained consistently brilliant throughout his time with Levante, Real Madrid and PSG. Navas kept 56 clean sheets in 162 matches at the Bernabeu and has racked up 44 clean sheets in 97 games in France to date.

This shows that the 35-year-old is well able to perform for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, which suggests that he will easily adapt to playing in the Premier League. That is why Newcastle must change PSG’s stance on the goalkeeper and work hard to try and bring him in this month.

AND in other news, Terms agreed: NUFC closing in on third January signing who will leave Howe elated…

Celtic: Hoops linked with Niko Gießelmann

Celtic have been linked with a move for Union Berlin’s Niko Gießelmann, according to German newspaper Sports Bild, relayed by 67 Hail Hail.

The Lowdown: Gießelmann profiled

Gießelmann is 30 years of age and is primarily a left-back who can also turn out at centre-back or even as a left-midfielder. [Transfermarkt]

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He’s been with the Bundesliga side for 18 months and has made 37 appearances for the club, 22 of which have come this season.

Gießelmann has registered 34 assists during his career and is valued at £1.62m by Transfermarkt, making him the biggest star of his agency, GMBH, who will no doubt want to extract every penny out of any possible deal.

The Latest: Hoops interest

67 Hail Hail relayed a report from Wednesday’s print edition of Sports Bild, who claimed that Celtic and a number of unnamed English sides are keen on Gießelmann.

The German is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, meaning the Hoops could look to secure a pre-contract agreement in the New Year, while it also puts the player and his representatives in a strong negotiating position.

The Verdict: Left-back competition?

Celtic have been heavily linked with Reo Hatate, who can also play as a left-back, however, the Hoops reportedly see him as a midfielder.

In that case, bringing in Gießelmann could be a smart idea to rival Greg Taylor at left-back. Ange Postecoglou had to use right-back Josip Juranovic, youngster Adam Montgomery and even outcast Boli Bolingoli during Taylor’s absence earlier in the season.

Bringing Gießelmann in who has plenty of experience to challenge Taylor may be a masterstroke by Postecoglou, so this link could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: Possession lost 40x, 21 duels lost: Celtic’s 3 worst players v Betis who didn’t take Ange chance. 

Gavin Strachan set to stay at Celtic

Celtic have had a topsy-turvy season under the management of Ange Postecoglou as the Australian boss gets used to his surroundings at Parkhead.

There have been negatives but there have also been plenty of positives, particularly in the way a number of his new acquisitions have taken to life in Glasgow.

The likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota have both hit the ground running, registering impressive numbers in offensive areas already.

What’s the word?

The January transfer window is now just a month away but they will head into the winter period safer of losing their prized assets.

Postecoglou had to deal with a mass exodus in the summer as Kristoffer Ajer, Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie all left.

There was also disruption at board level where Dominic McKay took his leave just months after succeeding the retired Peter Lawwell.

However, further setbacks look unlikely thanks to a promising update from Alan Nixon.

The reporter said on Monday that hailed coach Gavin Strachan was set to stay with the club after an approach from south of the border.

He Tweeted: “Hartlepool. Gavin Strachan has turned down the move to become manager … staying with Celtic.”

Fans buzzing

This is news that will come as music to the ears of not only the club’s manager, Postecoglou, but also the club’s supporters.

After all, the last thing the Hoops need at this point in the season is significant disruption behind the scenes.

On a larger scale, Neil Lennon and Nick Hammond departed the club last winter after fan protest and that whole saga, combined with diabolical on-field displays, led to the club’s pursuit of ten Premiership titles in a row collapsing rather quickly.

Celtic are embroiled in a title race again this year and have a more realistic chance of clawing back the crown that they held in their possession for nine years.

Losing Strachan would not be disastrous but watching him leave Parkhead behind would certainly not be ideal as they attempt to win honours again.

That’s why a number of fans were delighted with the news in a section of Tweets relayed by This is Futbol.

It’s clear to see why the fanbase holds him in such high regard too. He entered the club last summer and his efforts at Lennoxtown have been commendable despite Celtic’s plight.

A review from former Scotland international, George Boyd, tells you why he’s such an important figure at Paradise.

He once told The Athletic: “he’s just a really great human being, a really lovely man, very easy to get on with and down to earth. Very humble and thoughtful.”

Posh director, Barry Fry, added: “His man-management is his biggest strength. He always makes sure to pick out players individually and tells them things they should be working on, and because they had faith in him and trusted him, they would then go out and do it with him. His main asset is how well he handles and understands players.”

If Celtic are going to reclaim the SPFL then having someone in their ranks who is so trusted amongst the playing staff can only be a good thing.

On that evidence, and the words of Fry and Boyd, it’s evident why Strachan’s continued place on the bench at Parkhead is a huge boost for everyone at the club.

AND in other news, Exciting Celtic transfer development emerges, Ange will be buzzing…

Tottenham Hotspur: Former Spurs player backs Christensen link

Former Spurs number one Paul Robinson has backed Tottenham to sign Chelsea star Andreas Christensen, according to reports by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Spurs interested in Christensen

According to The Daily Star, Spurs are competing for the signing of Chelsea defender Christensen. The 25-year-old could be available on a free transfer in 2022 as his contract is set to expire next summer.

The Denmark international has played 11 times in the Premier League this season under Thomas Tuchel, and he currently leads the Blues in one statistic, offsides won – averaging 0.8 per game.

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Football Insider previously reported that Chelsea had made a breakthrough in contract negotiations with the player. However, an agreement is still yet to be finalised and with January fast approaching, Christensen will have just six months left on his deal.

The Daily Star reports that Tottenham would be interested in signing the 6 foot 2 defender, if a contract extension cannot be agreed upon.

The Latest: Robinson loves the move

As per Football Insider, ex-Spurs goalkeeper Robinson has heaped praise on Christensen following his former club’s interest in the player, further claiming that a deal would “have to be” on a free transfer as Chelsea and Spurs “do not do business.”

“Historically, they just do not do business so it would have to be on a free transfer in the summer.

“Christensen is a top, top player though. A top centre-half.

“When you look at his age and where he is at in his career. He probably needs a move and a fresh challenge.

“I’m not sure how it would work going from Chelsea to Tottenham. I’m sure he is a strong enough player and a strong enough character to get the fans on side very quickly though.”

The Verdict: Ideal but unlikely

It is reported that a £140,000-per-week deal was ‘practically agreed’ in August, which would have seen the defender almost double his current £80,000-per-week salary at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham could be an interesting prospect for Christensen as Antonio Conte has experience managing the Dane, who he described in late 2017 as Chelsea’s ‘best surprise’, but if the Blues are happy to double his wages it appears unlikely he will jump ship.

Former Chelsea teammate Cesc Fabregas has also previously hailed the player’s talents, describing him as ‘very underrated’, so Tottenham would be foolish not to try their luck in convincing him to cross London, but this one feels rather ambitious.

Skipp lived up to Conte’s prediction

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side continued their impressive league form under the 52-year-old manager on Sunday afternoon, sealing a 3-0 win against Norwich City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a result which sees Spurs climb to fifth-place in the Premier League standings.

And, while the club’s overall performance was perhaps flattered by the final scoreline, there were nevertheless a number of extremely encouraging individual displays turned in by some of Tottenham’s starting XI, none more so than by 21-year-old central midfielder Oliver Skipp.

Skipp lived up to Conte’s prediction

Speaking after the England U21 international’s impressive performance against Brentford on Thursday, Conte heaped a considerable amount of praise on the shoulders of the young midfielder, stating:

“He could become a top midfielder, but he has to continue to work. He has this will, this desire to become an important player for Tottenham for the present and for the future. He played with great intensity, great passion; with heart, with soul.”

And, just one game later, Skipp could well have already lived up to his manager’s prediction, as the academy graduate turned in a dominant display against the team with whom he spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch on Sunday, the £17m-rated man made two interceptions, two clearances and blocked one shot, as well as completing 100% of the dribbles he performed.

The youngster also enjoyed 62 touches of the ball, completed 94% of his attempted passes and had two shots at the Norwich goal, with these returns seeing him earn a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.1.

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick was also clearly impressed with the £25k-per-week midfielder, stating of Skipp in his player ratings: “Improving with every game under Conte, particularly in possession. A lung-busting run from his own half to the edge of Norwich’s box was particularly impressive, although some of his tackling was equally eye-catching. Helped make Son’s goal.”

As such, while the youngster still undoubtedly has much developing left to do at the highest level of the game, on the back of his performance against Norwich, Skipp may well have already lived up to Conte’s claim that he can be a top midfielder.

In other news: 67% duels lost: “Special” £17m-rated Spurs dud may have blown his chance with Conte

Leeds: Phil Hay confirms Ayling injury blow

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has confirmed that Leeds United defender Luke Ayling will once again be missing from action as the Whites take on Spurs in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

What’s the story?

The 30-year-old has missed the past six games in the Premier League through a knee injury that he picked up late on in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle back in mid-September, and it seems that he will not be in contention for tomorrow’s game in north London.

Relaying news via Marcelo Bielsa’s pre-match press conference, Hay confirmed that Ayling, along with teammate Patrick Bamford, will be missing from the squad to face Spurs.

Although the journalist added that Bielsa had mentioned they were developing and progressing quite positively, no timeframe has yet been set on their potential returns.

Big blow for Bielsa

Usually one of the first names on the teamsheet, there’s no questioning that Ayling has been one of Bielsa’s most trusted lieutenants over the past couple of seasons.

The £45k-a-week ace played the full 90 minutes in every single Premier League game last season bar one, and even that was when Bielsa took him off to try and find a goal in the last 20 minutes against ten-man Arsenal.

In the past, Hay has emphasised how important Ayling is to this team, declaring: “The more you look at him and analyse him, the more you realise he’s integral to everything Leeds do.”

Speaking just last year, former Scotland manager Alex McLeish raved about the consistency that Ayling brings to the table week-in, week-out.

He said: “We talk about Luke nearly every week, we always give him a mention. He’s such an enthusiast for the game. It’s a guy who clearly loves his football and his roles within Leeds United, not only as a full-back, he’s got the centre-back skills as well – he’s got versatility.

“He’s a really, really good example to any young player coming up because he’s been through the ranks. You see where he started and now he’s playing in the Premier League.”

Being without him once again for the trip to Spurs is sure to leave both Bielsa and Leeds fans gutted.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been handed a transfer update on this ace…

Harkness signs new Rangers deal

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some news involving a player in their Academy.

As per the official Twitter page of Rangers B & Academy, Jack Harkness has signed an extension to his contract, which keeps him at Ibrox until the summer of 2023.

At just 17 years of age, the Scotsman is one of a few names in the youth set-up looking to make a name for themselves, after Juan Alegria scored a hat-trick for the Rangers B team last month.

Harkness was an unused substitute in Rangers B’s 3-0 loss at home to Ayr United in the Scottish Challenge Cup back in September, and will be hoping to get onto the pitch in due course.

Interestingly, he joined the same sports agency as Scottish tennis player and hero Sir Andy Murray in February (Glasgow Times), as he looks to catch the eye off of the pitch as well as on it.

Rangers fans on Harkness contract

These Light Blues buzzed as Harkness shared the news of his new contract on Twitter, with one Bears supporter even going as far as to claim that they were ‘delighted’ by the ‘excellent’ update:

“Brilliant news Jack!”

Credit: @SeafarerMichael

“Brilliant Jack keep up the good work”

Credit: @Rangersphotoco1

“Congrats mate brilliant”

Credit: @connor_mcgrotty

“Love it mate”

Credit: @Finlaybrown28

“Excellent Jack. Delighted for you mate”

Credit: @BobSteele55

“Class bro”

Credit: @WavidDadeWADE

In other news, find out which SPFL ace the Gers are now eyeing here!

Ben Woodburn is struggling on loan

Liverpool currently have their fair share of midfield options in their senior squad with the likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Fabinho.

One man who is currently spending time away from the club is 21-year-old attacking midfielder Ben Woodburn, who this season is on loan with Scottish club Hearts.

As a product of Liverpool’s youth academy, he has been on previous loan spells with clubs such as Sheffield United, Oxford United and Blackpool. However, nearly five years since his Anfield debut, he has made just 11 senior appearances for Liverpool, scoring one history-making goal.

Unfortunately, Woodburn’s current loan spell with Hearts has not got off to the greatest of starts, with the midfielder failing to score a goal or provide an assist for the club in five league appearances, each of those coming as a starter.

Furthermore, he has only managed to win 39% of the duels in which he has been involved so far this season, which isn’t a great return for a midfielder, especially given the experience he has playing elsewhere.

Even though it’s still early in the season and Woodburn has at least been getting a decent amount of game-time under his belt, his lack of goals and assists will surely be rather disappointing to Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, especially if he had any thoughts of including the 21-year-old in his Liverpool squad at any point in the future.

In our view, if Woodburn can continue playing regularly for Hearts, he has enough time to grab a few goals or assists before his latest loan spell comes to an end.

However, if he fails to end his spell on a high, then he could potentially see his time as a Liverpool player coming to an end if they don’t think he has what it takes in terms of quality on the pitch to become a regular first team player for the Reds. That would have echoes of Harry Wilson, who had been on a number of loan spells away from Anfield before they sold him to Championship side Fulham during the summer transfer window after just two competitive Reds appearances by the age of 24.

In other news: Klopp could seal Wijnaldum replacement at LFC with “sublime” £49.5m-rated ace

Ilkay Gundogan must start against Brugge

After being knocked out of the Carabao Cup for the first time in five years by West Ham United, followed by losing 2-0 at home against Crystal Palace at the weekend in the Premier League, it’s safe to say it has been a disappointing week for Manchester City.

Their next match sees them back in Champions League action on Wednesday evening with a clash against Club Brugge, who City managed to convincingly beat 5-1 in their previous match against the Belgium club last month.

On the chalkboard

One player that did not feature in the defeat against Patrick Vieira’s side at the weekend that we feel should be in the starting XI in midweek to take on Brugge is midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan’s two previous appearances for the Manchester club saw him score a goal and earn himself an impressive overall match rating of 8/10 from SofaScore in their 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League as well as being City’s highest-rated player in the Cup defeat at West Ham with a rating of 7.9/10, also from SofaScore.

This shows that the midfielder, who has been described as one of the most “intelligent” players Pep Guardiola has seen throughout his career, can be a vital figure for the Citizens and why we feel he should be in the starting XI to face Brugge. That’s especially given how he should be well-rested for the game after he didn’t play against Palace.

The German international joined City back during the 2016 summer transfer window from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth a reported fee of £20m.

Since then, the 31-year-old, who is currently valued at £36m according to Transfermarkt, has made 220 appearances for the current reigning Premier League champions across all competitions in which he has managed to score 41 goals and provide 28 assists along the way, showing how much of an attacking threat he is from midfield and a real game-changer for the team.

Last season saw Gundogan end City’s Premier League campaign as their top goalscorer with 13 goals under his belt.

Looking ahead to the Brugge match, we feel that the £140k-per-week earner should be in the starting XI so Guardiola can rotate some of his midfield options and rest some that he may want to be fully prepared for their next Premier League match at the weekend against rivals Manchester United.

In other news: Fernandino heir apparent: Pep could save Man City millions with “aggressive” 17 y/o – opinion

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