SHOTLIST

MANCHESTER, UK (JAN. 27, 2026) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. (SOUNBITE) (Turkish-English) GALATASARAY MIDFIELDER ILKAY GUNDOGAN, SAYING:

“…for me it will be a very special and emotional match… I shared so many memories here, with the coach, with my former teammates… I still feel very connected to this club and this stadium, so coming back after so many years is something very special for me… everyone in football knows Manchester City and knows Pep Guardiola, so there is not much I need to explain… they have top individual quality and a coach who wants control in every detail of the game… that makes them a very difficult opponent, especially here at Etihad Stadium… but this is the Champions League, and every match at this level is difficult… we believe in ourselves, we prepared well, and we hope to come back home with a good result… I still follow City, I still support this team and this manager, and I believe they can go on a long unbeaten run once they get momentum… at the same time, tomorrow we are opponents and we will fight for our own goals… Erling Haaland is one of the best strikers in the world, a real goal machine… you cannot control him alone for 90 minutes, so we have to defend collectively and avoid giving him chances… Galatasaray has always had a very special place in my heart since my childhood… to play in the Champions League for this club, against such a big team, makes me very proud… we will fight together for this badge, for our fans, and try to get the best possible result…” MANCHESTER, UK - JAN. 27: Galatasaray midfielder Ilkay Gundogan described the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City as a special and emotional occasion as he prepares to face his former club.

Speaking at a press conference at Etihad Stadium ahead of Wednesday’s fixture, Gundogan said returning to play in Manchester after many successful years at City carries personal significance.

“For me, it will be a very special and emotional match. I shared many memories with the coach and former teammates here,” Gundogan said. “Playing again in this stadium after so many years will be very special for me.”

- On Manchester City and Guardiola

Gundogan praised City’s overall quality and head coach Pep Guardiola, saying little explanation is needed regarding their strengths.

“Everyone knows Manchester City and how they play. Everyone knows what kind of coach Pep Guardiola is,” he said. “They have very high individual quality and a coach who wants control in every detail of the game.”

Gundogan said Galatasaray expect a difficult challenge but remain confident.

“It will be a tough match, especially here against City. But we believe in ourselves. We prepared well and hope to return home with a good result,” he added.

Gundogan said he continues to follow City’s matches and remains emotionally connected to the club.

“I’m still a fan of this football club, of this team and of this manager. I try to watch as many games as possible,” he said. “I still believe they can go on a long unbeaten run once they gain momentum.”

The German midfielder also highlighted the need for collective defending, especially against Erling Haaland.

“He is one of the best strikers in the world. You can never underestimate him,” Gundogan said. “It’s almost impossible to control him for 90 minutes, but we will try to defend him as a team and avoid giving him chances.”

Gundogan emphasized his long-standing affection for Galatasaray and pride in representing the club.

“Galatasaray has always had a special place in my heart since my childhood,” he said. “Playing in the Champions League for this club against such a big opponent makes me very proud. We will fight together and do everything we can for a good result.”

The match will be played at Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Wednesday, January 28, with kick-off scheduled for 9.00 p.m. GMT (11.00 p.m. GMT+3).

All 18 fixtures of the eighth matchday in the league phase will kick off simultaneously, marking the conclusion of this stage of the competition.

Teams finishing in the top eight of the standings will qualify directly for the round of 16, while those placed between ninth and 24th will compete in playoff matches for a place in the knockout stage.