Pep Guardiola wants to continue working with Ilkay Gundogan beyond this season, but accepts the German's future is out of his hands.
Gundogan scored twice against Leeds in City's 2-1 win but missed a penalty late on to set up a nervy finish as Rodrigo pulled a goal back just a minute after. However, although Guardiola was annoyed that Gundogan took the penalty over regular takers Erling Haaland or Riyad Mahrez, the manager reserved praise for his overall performance.
With the German out of contract in the summer and no decision made yet on whether he will stay beyond his current deal, Guardiola couldn't offer any new update. However, the manager did say he wants to continue working with the first player he signed for the Blues.
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"I said about the contract, the club is involved and knows my opinion," he said. "They are above me, we take the decision together, good and bad.
"It's not necessary if he scored two incredible goals, how good he played today, reading the spaces, he has everything - incredible run in the final third, how intelligent he is... It's not necessary to score two goals to know exactly how I like this player and enjoying working with him and how I'd like to work with him in the future."
Guardiola also praised Aymeric Laporte and Rico Lewis against Leeds, with the defensive pair coming in after finding themselves out of favour to relieve the pressure on other players struggling for fitness amid the busy schedule at present.
He said: "The spaces the spaces were with Gundogan and Rico. Rico made incredible commits. We cannot forget, three games in six days after a demanding game, they are human beings. That's why today I rotate seven because I had the feeling.
"Right after Fulham I didn't have the feeling, I see the team alive. But the day after West Ham, I had the feeling they are tired, I had to change it. All the guys who came in, Laporte was exceptional, Rico play exceptional, everyone was incredibly focussed."
Guardiola also gave an update on Nathan Ake, who was substituted on 55 minutes after going down holding his leg.
"I didn't speak with him but if he asked to come off, we will see," the manager said.
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