Pep Guardiola admitted Ilkay Gundogan’s performance against Newcastle was “one of the worst” he had ever seen from the midfielder.
Gundogan struggled during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at St James’ Park on Saturday, but got his first goal since rejoining the club from Barcelona during the 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday.
And Guardiola was pleased for the Germany international, who played in a deeper role as he continues to experiment with replacements from Rodri.
“We know he can do it,” Guardiola told TNT Sports. “Strong mentality. The game in Newcastle was not really good, maybe one of the worst I have ever seen with him in the last eight or nine years but this happens. This is why he has to play.
"His position, holding midfielder, he is so intelligent, he played a fantastic game today.”
James McAtee scored his first City goal in Slovakia and Guardiola is glad to have the midfielder back after spending two seasons on loan at Sheffield United.
“All of us are so happy for him, he’s adorable and all the guys love him,” he said. “There are a lot of games, Everybody will make a contribution. He moved really well in small spaces, he make a fantastic goal, have another chance.
“For him it will be a good boost. We want to make him feel like ‘you are part of that group, you are able to play’. Hopefully today can help him in that."
Phil Foden scored a goal and provided an assist on his return to the starting line-up, with Guardiola saying: “Yeah he still is not his best, make a fantastic goal, pass the ball to the post, no shoot, he had more chances. Step by step he's coming back."
Overall the Spaniard was happy with the performance in Bratislava, adding: "We had to do a job. We did it. This group of players is fantastic, we play a good game, a lot of chances so the first three points of the competition.
"We said we need one more goal, 3-0 was almost over because they defend with more courage to play but after 2-0 and chances we had, we were patient and we attacked really well. Sometimes we have to attack more quicker but yeah good result."
“When I’m thinking about that [goal difference] maybe I’m conservative, maybe winning games will be enough. We have three tough, tough games away. Today, first victory, a little bit higher in the table than we were."
