Ilkay Gundogan has opened up on Manchester City’s ambitions in the Champions League and Erling Haaland’s impact since arriving at the Etihad.
City take on Borussia Dortmund in their second group stage fixture on Wednesday evening, having began their European campaign with a convincing 4-0 win at Sevilla.
The Premier League champions are favourites to win the Champions League this season as City look to end their wait for an elusive European title.
After reaching the final and semi-final in the last two campaigns, Gundogan has opened up on City’s chances and believes the addition of Erling Haaland – who has scored 12 goals in just eight games since signing from this week’s opponents, Dortmund – can boost the club’s hopes of Champions League success.
“We hope for it. This year having a proper number nine is going to help us a lot,” Gundogan told a pre-match press conference.
“We will see and the Champions League is an incredible thing to achieve. It is never easy to play in this competition and sometimes little details can decide the outcome.”
Gundogan discussed the impact of Haaland, who scored twice in Seville on his competition debut for City and now has 25 goals in just 20 appearances in the Champions League.
The Norwegian is one of several City stars who will face their former side this week, with Gundogan, Manuel Akanji and Sergio Gomez all also ex-Dortmund players.
“I think very well and the numbers they speak for themselves,” Gundogan said on Haaland’s adaptation.
“I think the club has signed an incredible player. He has done well on the pitch, but his character, determination and attitude off the pitch [has also been impressive] from such a young boy. He is very mature and his future is very bright. We are both really looking forward to the game against our old club.”
