Ilkay Gundogan says would prefer a regular position within the Manchester City team rather than operating across different midfield roles in different games.
Away on international duty with Germany, the City midfielder was asked to compare his more rotational role for the Blues compared to being a regular for Hansi Flick's side, as he admitted he wished he had a set position with the Blues.
Gundogan, 31, has been asked to play as a holding midfielder, central midfielder, number ten behind a striker or even as a false nine by Pep Guardiola in the last year or two, whereas his position is more settled for Germany. That uncertainty, he says, can be 'not always beneficial' for a player.
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Speaking to Kicker, he said: "This [Germany] squad also shows that I feel very comfortable in the team. But these hits also have to do with the fact that I'm now set up in a more offensive position. I feel very comfortable up front, where I find myself more and more in dangerous situations.
"I got used to scoring goals at the club last season. And once you get a taste for it, you want to keep going. As a result, the demands I place on myself have shifted a bit.
"Based on my experience, I feel relatively comfortable in central midfield in all positions. However, I noticed that I need a certain rhythm in all the different positions, because each one makes different demands on me. Therefore, a certain adjustment period is necessary in any case.
"Commuting from one position to another is not always beneficial. I've always been at my best when I know I'm playing the same position week after week and when I know the requirements. It is difficult to keep adapting a new role and having to reorient yourself in different positions."
Asked whether his versatility is an advantage or disadvantage, Gundogan explained the difficulties in changing position from game-to-game.
"It's a fine line. Basically, you can see it as an advantage to be able to play everything in central midfield," he said.
"But if you don't have the time, it gets complicated. The environment always expects top performance. It's not that easy sometimes.
"I might actually have to say where the best place for me is. But I'm not the type of person who makes aggressive demands. I always try to fit in.
"If my coach needs me for a position, I don't say: I can't do it, I feel just as comfortable in another place. Because the coach has an idea. Sometimes I wish I knew what my position is, which I play week after week. Because then I also know that I'm delivering top performances week after week.
"I almost always played the big games at Manchester City. And when I sat outside, I supported the boys. I put my ego on the back burner. But if I feel like I'm not being judged fairly, I try to talk to the coaches."
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