Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City, shared some insights on his relationship with Ilkay Gündogan, describing him as one of the smartest players he's ever coached. In an interview with Stern magazine, Guardiola revealed that during their time at Manchester City, Gündogan was a man of few words but always “clear and direct” when he did speak.

Guardiola also mentioned that they used to live in the same building, even on the same floor, which led to a close relationship. “If I needed olive oil for my salad, I could just go over to Ilkay’s place and get some. He was very reserved, no noise, no parties. The perfect neighbor. After we won the Champions League, I went to his house with my family and we shared a bottle of champagne,” he recalled.

However, Guardiola admitted they never watched games together because he considers himself “annoying” when watching matches on TV. “I don’t want to put anyone through that,” he joked.

On the field, Guardiola praised Gündogan’s quiet but powerful leadership. “Ilkay didn’t speak much, but when he did, everyone listened, including me. He was clear and direct. He’s a very intelligent player, one of the smartest I’ve coached. He was key to our success,” Guardiola stated.

“A player can be fast or have a great shot, but what makes them stand out and become elite is their intelligence. Making the right decisions under pressure, knowing what the team needs at any moment—that’s the kind of player I look for. I love smart players. I only had to explain things to Ilkay once. He understood and implemented it immediately. That’s extraordinary,” he added.

Guardiola believes Gündogan excels in any central midfield position, especially in tight spaces. Whether playing as a number ten behind the striker or providing passes to the wings, Gündogan's timing, ball control, and passing accuracy are exceptional. Guardiola also noted Gündogan’s goal-scoring ability, capable of easily netting between ten and fifteen goals a season.

Reflecting on their time together, Guardiola fondly remembered their conversations about football tactics. “Discussing the game with Ilkay was a pleasure. He sees the big picture and the finer details, the cells that make up a football match. I’m convinced he’ll be a great coach one day,” Guardiola concluded.