“Unbelievably happy” – Pep Guardiola reacts to Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City action

Pep Guardiola says Ilkay Gundogan is “unbelievably happy” to return to Manchester City after making his second debut for the club against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The Premier League champions had somewhat of a turbulent start to the game against The Tractor Boys, conceding an early goal just seven minutes into the contest via a defensive lapse of concentration.

City would quickly regain composure, as new summer signing Savinho and his impressive play earned a penalty, which Erling Haaland confidently converted and levelled the scoring just five minutes after the early setback.

Manchester City would then take control of the match, with Kevin de Bruyne and Haaland each scoring in a matter of minutes to give the hosts a 3-1 lead, leaving the Premier League newcomers stunned.

Erling Haaland continued his superb scoring form in the second-half, netting his third goal to complete his hat-trick and make it four goals from his opening two Premier League contests this season as he closes in on 100 goals in a Manchester City shirt.

Meanwhile, Ilkay Gündogan marked his emotional and largely sensational return to Manchester City with a substitute appearance following a fast-paced negotiation to re-sign the midfielder from Barcelona on Friday.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Pep Guardiola explained that he was initially unsure whether to include the German midfielder in the squad against Ipswich, having only signed the day before.

Yet, his trust in the 33-year-old was evident, and he said that Ilkay Gundogan was very excited to get his second Manchester City stint underway. “Thank you for this warm welcome to him. He is unbelievably happy,” Pep Guardiola said.

“I had doubts [about bringing him off the bench]. We have known each other for many years, and he knows exactly what he needs to do. I am very pleased he is back.”

Gundogan’s return is a significant boost to Manchester City’s midfield depth. Rodri has been unavailable for Guardiola’s side in the opening games of the season, but Mateo Kovacic has impressed in his absence.

The Croatian international was forced off the Etihad pitch with his own injury issue on Saturday afternoon, however, which could open up a starting spot in the team for Ilkay Gundogan in City’s next outing.

Pep Guardiola’s men travel to London to face West Ham United next weekend in their final game before the September international break.