Ilkay Gundogan believes his side needs to be focus ahead of the game at Old Trafford to defeat host Manchester United in the Manchester derby.
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogaan insists the match against Manchetser United at Old Trafford will be a tough test for them as they chase Arsenal in the Premier League.
Manchester United will host their local rival in the Premier League later today following their current run of form in the all competition.
Manchester City, who lost their last game in the Carabao cup in against Southampton will face another test at Old Trafford.
Gundogan is aware of their threat and knows that the performance levels must be higher than they were at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday.
He added: “It’s completely different [to the game in September].
“Manchester United are in a very good moment right now, full of confidence, they’re hungry, they want to win.
“They recruited some really good players in the summer and sometimes it takes time. It looks like it’s starting to click between them so it’s going to be a very tough game – probably the toughest game in the Manchester derby for us in recent years.
“Going to Old Trafford is always special, it’s going to be really hard, and we need a much better performance than [Southampton].”
Gundogan is under no illusion that they are are set to face a flourishing United side under Erik ten Hag but he’s excited by the challenge.
He said: “I know what we are able to do on the pitch – we all know. It’s just about having the right attitude, being ready to take on every challenge.
“Right now, I’m confident, even though I’m still frustrated, sad and disappointed from [the Southampton] game.
“I’m confident we are going to show a different phase on Saturday in the derby.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urge his players to rediscover them self has there are many games to play in the Premier League.
He said: “There are many games still to play.
“Of course, it’s an important week. We play United. We cannot deny it. It will be next Thursday against Spurs. But there are many games left to play.
“I don’t care, after what happened at Southampton, it’s the last thing I’m worried about – the titles or this kind of thing. It’s to recover who you are day, week, day, week, day, week – game by game. This is what we have to do.
“In important games this season, in the important ones, we were there – in all competitions.”
