Ilkay Gundogan stressed the importance of Manchester City beating Burnley to send them into their 'decisive' run of games against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool in good form.
Gundogan scored City's second goal at Turf Moor in a comfortable 2-0 win. After the game, he praised fellow goalscorer Kevin De Bruyne as the key man in the team who can give the Blues the best chance of navigating the next three weeks.
City face Atletico Madrid at the Etihad next in the first lef of their Champions League quarter final, before Liverpool are the visitors in a huge Premier League showdown. The second leg vs Atletico follows, before a trip to Wembley in two weeks' time to battle Liverpool for a place in the FA Cup final.
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Reflecting on the Burnley win, Gundogan said it was hugely important to get three points in light of the next four games coming up. He told Premier League Productions: "It's always tough to come here against a tough and physical side.
"They have a certain type of playing, we needed to be prepared for long balls to their tall striker and it's about winning second balls and trying to create chances and scoring. Obviously, the two goals in the first half helped us a lot.
"The next two to three weeks will be decisive but every game feels like a final now, to be honest. That's why it was very important to win today. You can't drop points otherwise it will be punished."
When asked about De Bruyne's contribution, Gundogan pointed to the Belgian as someone who can give City the best chance of progressing in three competitions over the next three weeks.
"We all know he’s our key player," noted Gundogan. "If he’s on form, we’re always able to win the games."
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