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Saturday, April 30, 2016

Tactical analysis: Bayern’s fringe players struggle in Gladbach stalemate

It was hard for Bayern München to implement their tactical plan against astute Gladbach on Saturday as Pep Guardiola started squad players.

Sebastian Rode, Serdar Tasci, Rafinha, Mario Götze, Medhi Benatia started the game as many players from Bayern’s regular XI were given a rest ahead of the Champions League semifinal second leg.

Formation

The Catalan coach opted for back-three and wing-backs. Jérôme Boateng started after almost three months out due to injury. He was at the centre of defence alongside Tasci and Benatia. Juan Bernat and Rafinha were wing-backs.

Rode and Kimmich started together as the central midfield pair. Rode had a box-to-box role while the latter stayed deep to build from back. The front three were Thomas Müller, Götze and Coman.
The basic idea was to play a 3-4-3 or 5-2-3 to negate the same formation used by Gladbach.

Numbers game on the pitch

Both the teams were playing the same formation and with the same philosophy. Borussia’s forwards André Hahn, Thorgan Hazard and Raffael were up against the Bayern back three. At the other end, Bayern’s forward line was against Gladbach’s back three. It was a tactical stalemate. Hence, individual quality was needed to make the difference.
In the following picture, there is always one player or two to cover opponent’s players in every position.

1Players cancelling out the opponents in numbers

Central midfield players on both teams were always close to each other, making playmaking easy as well pressing more efficient. This characteristic was the central idea behind Jupp Heynckes’ Bayern with Schweinsteiger and Javi Martínez. Also, something which was implemented and perfected by Lucian Favre with Borussia. The screenshot shows how close Rode-Kimmich are, as well as Granit Xhaka-Mahmoud Dahoud.
2Staying close.

The first goal came through a set-piece. Müller made a late run near the far post and connected with a weak header. However, Serdar Tasci’s attempt to reach the ball confused Jan Sommer and it went in.
Bayern did struggle till the early goal, as the Startelf was rather a rotation squad. It took time to adjust. After the first goal, confidence was high and chances were created by individual plays.

In 10th minute, the defending Champions countered and Coman took on two players. He passed to Rafinha, who sent it to a free Bernat on the left. However, Bernat was not able to get past the only man in the way. Ibrahima Traoré, Borussia’s right wing-back, dispossessed Bernat very well.

In the first half, there were many situations where Götze dropped back behind Xhaka and Dahoud to receive the ball behind the midfield. Gladbach quickly got many men behind the ball to put it out of danger.
4Götze finds space in front of the defence.

Second half changes

Gladbach coach André Schubert made two changes around the hour-mark. Hazard and Traoré made way for Lars Stindl and Patrick Herrmann. Elvedi moved to right-back position and Bayern did create some pressure for a couple of minutes. They had one more man in offence than the Gladbach defence.

This created the only volatile period in the game. Bayern made similar changes with adjustments at the back. Miscommunication ensued and Gladbach scored in the 72nd minute. The screenshot shows how Bayern’s defence was all over the place.

The remaining game was not very entertaining as both the teams adjusted again and tactically cancelled each other out. Pep fielded his team according to opponent’s tactics like the game in midweek against Atlético Madrid. It will be very interesting to see what tactics he adapts in the semifinal second leg. He seems to be taking a backfoot in his “All-in attacking approach” towards the end of his Bayern career.

CREDIT TO:http://www.bayerncentral.com/2016/04/gladbach-1-1-ruckrunde16-tactical-analysis/

Bundesliga wrap: Auba the super sub for BVB; Bayern fails to clinch


Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, April 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Saturday’s results mean we’re not much closer to sorting the mess near both the European places and relegation zone in Germany.

Borussia Dortmund 5-1 Wolfsburg
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had one heck of a 21-minute cameo, scoring twice in two minutes to pour misery on the visitors, as Borussia Dortmund already had a heck of an advantage when the big scoring forward hit the pitch. Shinji Kagawa, Adrian Ramos and Marco Reus scored to stake BVB to a 3-0, and Andre Schurrle‘s 86th minute goal only served to spoil the shutout. USMNT 17-year-old Christian Pulisic was an unused sub.

Bayern Munich 1-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
The Allianz Arena faithful had seen 14 wins in 15 matches heading into Saturday’s match, only to watch over its first draw. Thomas Muller’s sixth minute goal looked like Bayern could cruise to a title-clinching win, but ‘Gladbach hung tight in an even affair that saw its final score line courtesy of Andre Hahn’s 72nd minute tally.

Darmstadt 1-2 Eintracht Frankfurt
A massive comeback win has put Niko Kovac’s hosts on the verge of avoiding a relegation playoff against the 2.Bundesliga’s third-placed side. Mario Vrancic gave Darmstadt a halftime lead, but Makoto Hasebe equalized in the 56th minute before inspired substitute Stefan Aigner claimed a winner. Eintracht is level on points with 15th place Stuttgart, which places 17th place Werder Bremen on Monday, and is within a win and help of passing the visitors.

Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Hertha Berlin
Hertha’s dream season has hit a rough patch, and a rough first 16 minutes resulted in it dropping into fifth place. Julian Brandt and Lars Bender scored early to lift Bayer eight points clear of fourth place, while Hertha is now tied with fourth-place Gladbach on points.

Elsewhere
 
Augsburg 0-0 Koln
 
Hoffenheim 2-1 Ingolstadt — Hosts now four points clear.
 
Hannover 1-3 Schalke — Hosts outshoot visitors 21-10, lose.
 
Mainz 0-0 Hamburger
 
Werder Bremen vs. Stuttgart — Monday

Standings

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Home Away PTS
Bayern Munich 32 26 4 2 75 15 60 14-1-1 12-3-1 82
Borussia Dortmund 32 24 5 3 80 31 49 14-2-0 10-3-3 77
Bayer Leverkusen 32 17 6 9 52 36 16 9-3-4 8-3-5 57
Mönchengladbach 32 15 4 13 63 49 14 12-1-3 3-3-10 49
Hertha BSC Berlin 32 14 7 11 41 40 1 9-5-2 5-2-9 49
FC Schalke 04 32 14 6 12 46 47 -1 8-4-4 6-2-8 48
FSV Mainz 05 32 13 7 12 43 41 2 8-3-5 5-4-7 46
1. FC Köln 32 10 11 11 36 40 -4 5-4-7 5-7-4 41
FC Ingolstadt 04 32 10 10 12 30 37 -7 7-5-4 3-5-8 40
VfL Wolfsburg 32 10 9 13 43 48 -5 8-5-3 2-4-10 39
Hamburger SV 32 10 8 14 37 44 -7 5-4-7 5-4-7 38
FC Augsburg 32 9 10 13 40 48 -8 3-6-7 6-4-6 37
1899 Hoffenheim 32 9 10 13 38 49 -11 6-6-4 3-4-9 37
Darmstadt 32 8 11 13 36 50 -14 2-6-8 6-5-5 35
VfB Stuttgart 31 9 6 16 46 63 -17 6-1-9 3-5-7 33
Eintracht Frankfurt 32 8 9 15 33 51 -18 5-6-5 3-3-10 33
Werder Bremen 31 8 7 16 43 63 -20 3-5-7 5-2-9 31
Hannover 96 32 6 4 22 29 59 -30 3-0-13 3-4-9 22   

Ribery a doubt for Bayern's crunch Atletico clash



Arjen Robben is already out against Atletico Madrid and Franck Ribery is also a doubt for Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final tie.

Pep Guardiola is unsure whether Franck Ribery will be passed fit to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after the French winger missed Bayern Munich's 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach with a back injury.

Bayern would have wrapped up the Bundesliga title with a win, but their celebrations were kept on ice as Guardiola's 100th league game in charge ended all square at the Allianz Arena, with Thomas Muller's opener cancelled out by Andre Hahn's second-half equaliser.

And there was concern for Ribery, who is struggling with discomfort in his back.

Guardiola admitted that Ribery may not be cleared in time to face Atletico at the Allianz when Bayern attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in the Champions League semi-final.

"Ribery is injured. He has a bad back," Guardiola said. "I do not know if he will play Tuesday because he is with the physios. We'll do all that we can so that he can play.

"He trained [on Friday] but [on Saturday] he came and said that he has a pain. The doctors said he cannot play."

It is a further concern for Bayern, who are already without star winger Arjen Robben due to an adductor problem that has ruled him out since the 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund on March 5.

Speaking before the match, Robben outlined his hopes to play again this season, but is unsure on when he will return.

"I don't feel like I wished I felt," he told Bayern's official website. "But I am fighting to play a role again during this season.

"That is my goal. I can't say whether it will work out. If it does, it would be superb."

CREDIT TO:http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/ribery-doubt-bayerns-crunch-atletico-clash#:R6pz5rb_Pxs1VA

Tuchel: Hummels abuse went too far


Thomas Tuchel lamented Mats Hummels' reception from Borussia Dortmund's fans after announcing he is seeking a transfer to Bayern Munich.

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel believes some fans "went too far" in their rough treatment of Mats Hummels in Saturday's 5-1 win over Wolfsburg.

Hummels captained Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park, despite requesting a transfer to bitter rivals Bayern Munich in midweek.

The Germany defender hit out at "nonsense" suggestions that he had approached Bayern over a move, but regardless his name was booed before Saturday's 5-1 win over Wolfsburg, before his every touch was whistled and the 'Yellow Wall' raised a banner which read: "The captain is leaving the ship. The sooner, the better!"

While Tuchel admitted the backlash was to be expected, he expressed sorrow that some had spoiled the game's atmosphere.

"It wasn't hard to imagine that the fans would want to give voice to their dissatisfaction," Tuchel said.

"A very ambivalent mood could be felt in the stadium.

"He was whistled whenever he was on the ball at first, but then the majority of the crowd attempted to drown that out with applause and take a stand.

"It is not pleasant for your captain to have to deal with such an atmosphere in your own stadium. I think there is a difference between whistling and offensive songs which go too far in their content."

Tuchel insists that despite the supporters' fury, Hummels remains well supported among his Dortmund team-mates.

He added: "Since this came to light on Thursday, there has been a strong feeling of solidarity.

"The team is a tight-knit group. Mats was able to rely on his team mates continuing to play with him as normal - irrespective of what happens.

"That gave him the sense of security to allow him to stay calm and relaxed, and to play a strong game."

CREDIT TO:http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/tuchel-hummels-abuse-went-too-far#:KSwydPeyBRs1VA

INTERVIEW:" A great compliment to the whole team"

image

Marcel Schmelzer extended his contract with BVB earlier this week, and shone in the game against Wolfsburg by putting in an excellent performance on the left wing. He started the move for the first goal with his cross to Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang perfectly to take the game to 5-0.

He was in a a buoyant mood after the game during an interview with BVBtotal! thanks to their efforts and the fans' vocal contribution.
 
Marcel, an emotional week full of highs and lows, and especially for the fans. Was such an emphatic win against Wolfsburg the right answer to all that?
"A great compliment needs to be paid to the whole team, and especially to Mats Hummels, for the way in which we played against Wolfsburg today."
 
Was it a perfect game? An early 2-0 lead before putting the game to bed…
"If only it had been that simple. We played very well at the beginning of the game to go 2-0 up. After that, I think we could have made our presence in the game felt more strongly. We should have got the third goal sooner, as 2-0 is always a dangerous scoreline - especially against such an offensively strong team as Wolfsburg."
 
How much did the fans' chanting help you?
"The chants about my contract extension were good to hear. Obviously you feel great when even after the game your name continues to be chanted."

"We all wanted to dance together"

You managed to bag another assist towards the end of the game and then actively drummed up the team on the bench. What was the thinking behind that?

"We wanted to celebrate with the whole team. That was tough in the first 45 minutes as the bench was in the opposition's half. In the second half the boys had to keep themselves warm by running and the final goal was the best opportunity to celebrate together. The original plan was that we would all dance together, but then we recognised that not all of us are such gifted dancers. For that reason, 'Micki' and 'Auba' did it alone."
Transcribed by Dennis-Julian Gottschlich

image 

CREDIT TO:http://www.bvb.de/eng/News/Interviews/A-great-compliment-to-the-whole-team

0-0! No goals between Mainz and HSV



A tough battle ended goalless between Mainz and HSV at the sold out Coface Arena on Bundesliga matchday 32 on Saturday afternoon.

The Rothosen followed up their crucial 2-1 derby win at home to Werder Bremen last Friday night by drawing 0-0 away to Mainz at the jam packed Coface Arena in Mainz on Saturday afternoon (30.04.16).

The visitors defended well during the opening half while the home side pressed high up the field. Both sides had a single decent chance in the first half. First the hosts threatened as Hamburg shot stopper Jaroslav
Drobny kept out a fierce effort by Karim Onisiwo (32.). Seven minutes later Hamburg striker Sven Schipplock lost out in a one on one situation with home keeper Loris Karius. Cordoba then missed the best chance of the game, but the 0-0 result was about right on the balance of play.

Brave despite key omissions
After the dramatic 2-1 derby win at home to Werder Bremen last Friday night, Hamburg head coach Bruno Labbadia had a lot of thinking to do regarding team selection for the trip to Mainz. The former striker was without the services of joint top scorers (both 8 goals) Nicolai Müller (torn hamstring) and Pierre Michel Lasogga (suspended). The latter scored twice in the 2-1 win over Bremen. Also ruled out were Michael Gregoritsch (suspended) and Albin Ekdal (thigh strain). As if to add insult to injury, keeper Rene Adler picked up a bruised hip during the final pre-match training session and had to be replaced by Drobny, who kept goal against Bremen. Bruno Labbadia said before the game: “ We have to accept the situation which offers others a chance to shine. The team must compensate our losses."

Nabil Bahoui, (behind Donati) made his first
 start for the Rothosen. 

Nabil Bahoui made his first start for Hamburg on the right, while Aaron Hunt returned to play behind the sole striker who was Sven Schipplock. Despite all of those changes, the visitors made a bright side against the side hoping to qualify for Europe next term. The capacity crowd of 34,000 (including 3,000 travelling faithful from Hamburg) saw a tough battle early on. Before kick off, Mainz had netted 7 times during the opening quarter of an hour, but not this time. The home side tackled well but Mainz had a shot ratio of 4:0 in the opening half an hour. Hamburg keeper Drobny was called into action on 32 minutes as he parried a fierce effort from Onisiwo to the side. At the other end, HSV struggled and in fact their only half chance of the opening half came as captain Djourou tested Karius with a header which resulted in a corner which brought nothing (36.). The first half ended goalless
 
Sven Schipplock squandered HSV’s best chance 
to break the deadlock. 

Missed sitters by both sides
Goalmouth action remained a rarity after the break. The home side tried to pen HSV in their own half but their key passes lacked accuracy. Schipplock pounced on one of them on 51 minutes as he cleverly stole the ball off Bungert and advanced unchallenged one on one against the keeper who produced a superb block to deny the former Hoffenheim hit man. That remained the best Hamburg chance for a long time. It became clear that whoever opened the scoring would probably win the game. The pendulum swung both ways on many occasions, but not in a particularly dangerous way.

Wolves at home up next
HSV had a decent period of possession which was followed by the same by Mainz. The teams were so evenly matched, although Drobny made two crucial saves to deny Frei (79.) and Latza (80.). Seven minutes later however, the Czech-veteran was powerless as Mainz combined through Clemens and Cordoba, the latter somehow blazed the ball well wide of goal while handily placed. The game ended in a 0-0 draw. The minimum HSV needed with only two games to go. Matchday 33 sees the Rothsoen entertain VfL Wolfsburg at the Volksparkstadion. The Wolves will have a point to prove after being hammered 5-1 in Dortmund on matchday 32.

Match details:
1. FSV Mainz 05: Karius - Brosinski, Bungert, Bell, Donati - Frei, Serdar (60. Latza) - Onisiwo, De Blasis (69. Malli), Jairo (87. Clemens) - Cordoba
HSV: Drobny - Sakai, Djourou, Spahic, Ostrzolek - Holtby, Kacar - Bahoui (76. Diekmeier), Hunt, Ilicevic (88. Cleber) - Schipplock (69. Rudnevs)
Goals: -

Att: 34.000 (sold out)
Referee: Guido Winkmann (Kerken)
Booked: - / Spahic (22.), Bahoui (61.), Kacar (63.)

CREDIT TO:http://www.hsv.de/en/season/meldungen/bundesliga/april-2014/0-0-no-goals-between-mainz-and-hsv/


FC Bayern win the league if...




Will FC Bayern make German football history today? Munich would wrap up the yearned-for fourth German championship title in a row if they win their home match against Borussia Mönchengladbach at 15.30 CET: an unprecedented streak in Bundesliga history. Bayern might have reason to celebrate even if they draw or lose, should Wolfsburg hold Dortmund to a draw or beat them. fcbayern.de has collected more stats and facts!

Champions League hangover? No way!
FC Bayern have won all of their Bundesliga matches following a Champions League encounter this season! The FCB faithful had reason to celebrate after every single one of the ten matches following a fixture in Europe's premier club competition – with the Bavarians scoring a whopping 29 goals and conceding only two.

RECOMMENDED SURE BET:


SOCCER PREDICTIONS FOR SATURDAY 30-04-2016

Austria » Tipico Bundesliga 2015/2016:

Admira – Altach                     1win

AC Wolfsberger – Mattersburg                    1win

Belgium » Jupiler League 2015/2016:

Charleroi – Lokeren               (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                 

KV Mechelen - St. Truiden    (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Kortrijk - St. Liege      (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Waasland-Beveren - Mouscron Peruwelz               over 1 GOALS

Croatia » 1. HNL 2015/2016:

NK Zagreb – Belupo              (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

D. Zagreb - Istra 1961                        1win

England » Premier League 2015/2016:

Everton – Bournemouth                   1win                          

Newcastle Utd - Crystal Palace        10minutes x                          

Stoke City – Sunderland                   (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Watford - Aston Villa                                    1win               

West Brom - West Ham                    (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Arsenal – Norwich                 1win
 

Positive record
The numbers tell the story: FCB have won 37 of 51 competitive fixtures on their home field against Borussia Mönchengladbach, with 11 games ending in a draw. The German record champions have lost only three. But beware: FC Bayern are winless in three against Gladbach, losing two and drawing one.

Stronghold Allianz Arena
FC Bayern have lost only one of the 22 competitive fixtures on home turf this term, a 2-1 reverse against Mainz. This slip-up aside, the Reds have won all of their 21 home matches, scoring 69 goals and conceding only nine! Borussia Mönchengladbach on the other hand have suffered away blues this season: the visitors' last victory away from home dates back to 31 October 2015, a 4-1 win over Hertha Berlin. Gladbach have lost eight and drawn two away matches since.

Milestone for Guardiola
Pep Guardiola will be on the Bayern bench for the 100th time in a Bundesliga match. His record is impressive: Guardiola and his troops have clocked up 250 points from the 99 previous matches! With an average of 2.53 points per game, the Catalan is the most successful coach in Bundesliga history (taking all coaches with at least ten Bundesliga fixtures).

Siebert in charge
Daniel Siebert will be the man with the whistle for the home match against Mönchengladbach. The 31-year-old takes charge of a Bayern match for the seventh time. The Bavarians have yet to lose with Siebert on the pitch, winning five and drawing one. The student teacher from Berlin most recently oversaw the 1-0 cup victory over Darmstadt in December 2015. His assistants will be Florian Heft and Jan Seidel, with Thorsten Schriever acting as fourth official.

CREDIT TO:http://www.fcbayern.de/en/news/news/2016/gladbach-factfile-290416.php

Manchester United offered chance to sign Real Madrid star Toni Kroos

Man United offered incredible chance to sign world class starToni Kroos moved to Real Madrid in 2014 (Picture: Getty)

Real Madrid have reportedly offered Manchester United the chance to sign Germany international Toni Kroos this summer as the La Liga giants look to offload the midfielder.

Kroos, 26, has been a mainstay in Los Blancos’ side since he moved to the Bernabeu in 2014 from Bayern Munich.


RECOMMENDED SURE BET:

SOCCER PREDICTIONS FOR SATURDAY 30-04-2016

Austria » Tipico Bundesliga 2015/2016:

Admira – Altach                     1win

AC Wolfsberger – Mattersburg                    1win

Belgium » Jupiler League 2015/2016:

Charleroi – Lokeren               (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                 

KV Mechelen - St. Truiden    (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Kortrijk - St. Liege      (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Waasland-Beveren - Mouscron Peruwelz               over 1 GOALS

Croatia » 1. HNL 2015/2016:

NK Zagreb – Belupo              (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

D. Zagreb - Istra 1961                        1win

England » Premier League 2015/2016:

Everton – Bournemouth                   1win                          

Newcastle Utd - Crystal Palace        10minutes x                          

Stoke City – Sunderland                   (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Watford - Aston Villa                                    1win               

West Brom - West Ham                    (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Arsenal – Norwich                 1win
 


David Moyes was seriously interested in the German before he was sacked just ten months into his ill-fated reign at the Theatre of Dreams but Kroos was still open to moving to Old Trafford when Louis van Gaal took charge.

However, the Dutchman passed up the chance to sign the midfielder and preferred other targets such as Ander Herrera.

Man United offered incredible chance to sign world class starKroos could have joined United in 2014 had Moyes not been sacked (Picture: Getty)

Madrid, though, want to refresh their starting XI in the summer and Manchester United will again have the chance to sign Kroos after Zinedine Zidane’s side offered him to the Red Devils, according to the Telegraph.

Any potential move to Old Trafford could depend on whether the club choose to stick with Van Gaal this summer or turn to hot favourite Jose Mourinho.

CREDIT TO:http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/30/manchester-united-offered-chance-to-sign-real-madrid-star-toni-kroos-5850939/

Report: Manchester City increase offer to secure Borussia Dortmund midfielder signing



Manchester City's dream signing of the summer is now dangerously close to becoming a reality.
According to reports from German outlet Bild, one of the biggest in the country, Borussia Dortmund and Man City are finalizing a deal that will move midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to England this summer. The two clubs have been negotiating for months, and an agreement is now imminent.

RECOMMENDED SURE BET:

SOCCER PREDICTIONS FOR SATURDAY 30-04-2016

Austria » Tipico Bundesliga 2015/2016:

Admira – Altach                     1win

AC Wolfsberger – Mattersburg                    1win

Belgium » Jupiler League 2015/2016:

Charleroi – Lokeren               (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                 

KV Mechelen - St. Truiden    (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Kortrijk - St. Liege      (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Waasland-Beveren - Mouscron Peruwelz               over 1 GOALS

Croatia » 1. HNL 2015/2016:

NK Zagreb – Belupo              (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

D. Zagreb - Istra 1961                        1win

England » Premier League 2015/2016:

Everton – Bournemouth                   1win                          

Newcastle Utd - Crystal Palace        10minutes x                          

Stoke City – Sunderland                   (0:2) 2 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Watford - Aston Villa                                    1win               

West Brom - West Ham                    (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.                                             

Arsenal – Norwich                 1win
 

City's first offer was a reported £18 million that was immediately rejected by Die Borussien, who wanted plenty more to being transfer talks. The Citizens then upped the swoop to £21 million, but Dortmund still said no. A third offer finally got the Yellow and Blacks to talk, and that's where things began to turn into the Citizens' favor.

Gundogan is a big property on the market and many European giants are in the look for the playmaker, which is why City has made one final offer to shut the door on the other suitors: £30 million instantly accepted by Dortmund officials, and now a deal is on the verge of completion.

Pep Guardiola demanded the signing of the German, who sees Gundogan as one of the most important players on his new team and system. Despite the competition from pretty big clubs, it's quite clear: Gundogan will be a Sky Blue.

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