Liverpool deserve Premier League title if season cancelled - Ilkay Gundogan
31 March, 2020
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says it could only be "fair" for rivals Liverpool to be awarded the Premier League trophy if the growing season cannot be completed as a result of coronavirus outbreak.
Gundogan told German broadcaster ZDF that Liverpool deserved to be crowned champions given their massive 25-point lead over second-placed City, the existing holders, which has left them just two wins away from the title.
"For me, that might be OK, yes," Gundogan said, after being asked whether Liverpool ought to be handed their first top-flight title for 30 years if the season not be completed.
"You need to be fair as a sportsperson," he added, while conceding that it had been a hard decision for football authorities given the impact that the cancellation of the growing season would have at both ends of the table.
"There will vary opinions. For clubs who have had a good season, it obviously wouldn't be nice if it had been cancelled now," he said.
"Alternatively, for clubs who aren't doing aswell and so are maybe in the relegation places, an abandonment would obviously suit them."
The Premier League season has been suspended until April 30, but it is looking increasingly likely that the date may need to be pushed back further.
Germany international Gundogan also said he would be open to taking a pay cut should English clubs follow the likes of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in asking their players to accept reduced wages so non-playing staff could be paid.
"Of course I think it's OK, that goes without saying, [but] there has been no discussion in England yet," Gundogan said. "Perhaps that's because the English clubs are a lttle bit financially stronger than the clubs in Germany at the moment.
"I have no idea who gets the final say for the reason that decision. However, if a new player says, 'no, I don't want that, I worked hard for this, I get my salary,' then it can go in the contrary direction.
"For me personally, it could be OK, but, to be honest, you have to be tolerant, and if there are players who are against that, then that's also a satisfactory situation."
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