Ilkay Gundogan reveals Fernandinho has helped him with Man City captaincy this season

Ilkay Gundogan revealed that he has had conversations with predecessor Fernandinho for advice on his role at the club.

Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at City and has been a key asset for the Catalan during his tenure in Manchester.

The German, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, was named club captain following Fernandinho’s departure in the summer.

Fernandinho gave everything he had to the club during his nine years here and skippered the team for the final two years, taking over from David Silva.

Even after leaving, he has still been helping out the Blues by offering his wisdom to his successor when Gundogan came asking.

Speaking ahead of City’s Champions League group-stage clash with his former side on Wednesday evening, the midfielder admitted that he has spoken with the Brazilian midfielder, and claimed that his role in the side has changed with more emphasis now on ‘communication’.

“I think the atmosphere is quite similar. We lost good players but also really good guys who were important for the positivity we have in the dressing room,” he said.

“But with also new players coming in and others stepping up they contribute to the atmosphere so I think it’s never really an issue. Every team in the world needs to deal with recruiting new players and players leaving.

“My personal role has changed a little bit but it’s really more about what is happening around the team in terms of organisation and dealing with a few things. I was lucky enough to have someone like Fernandinho and even this season I contacted him and asked him for advice and a few things.

“He helped me out already even though he’s not here anymore. But obviously it’s a new role for me and something I might need to grow into a little. I don’t try to change too many things.

“I try to lead by example and even though maybe I’m not the loudest in the dressing room I try to lead with my actions and with going forward always. That’s really it.

“We have a lot of characters in the team who are loud, quiet – everyone is different – so it is something that naturally takes its process throughout the season.”