Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan: Only fair to hand title to Liverpool

Midfielder says he will also be willing to accept pay cut over coronavirus

Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their second goal in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth, one of the last round of Premier League games at the beginning of March. To see the other matches that weekend, swipe the picture. Reuters

Leicester City beat Aston Villa 4-0 on March 9 in the last Premier League game to take place. Jamie Vardy celebrates after scoring the third goal. EPA

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette scored the only goal against West Ham. Reuters

Brighton's Lewis Dunk (left) battles for the ball against Wolves during the 0-0 draw at Molineux. PA

Pedro of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's second goal in the 4-0 win over Everton. Getty

Anthony Martial scored the first in Manchester United's 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City. EPA

Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew scores the goal in the 1-0 win against Watford. Reuters.

Sheffield United's Billy Sharp strikes in the 1-0 win over Norwich. Reuters

Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin celebrates scoring their goal in a 1-0 win a Southampton. Reuters

Tottenham's Dele Alli scores their goal from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw at Burnley. Reuters

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says it would only be "fair" for rivals Liverpool to be awarded the Premier League trophy if the season cannot be completed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Gundogan said that Liverpool deserved to be crowned champions given their massive 25-point lead over second-placed City, the current holders, which has left them just two wins away from the title.

"For me, that would be okay, yes," Gundogan told German broadcaster ZDF, on being asked whether Liverpool should be handed their first top-flight title for 30 years should the season not be completed.

"You have to be fair as a sportsperson," he added, while conceding that it was a difficult decision for football authorities given the impact that the cancellation of the season would have at both ends of the table.

"There are different opinions. For clubs who have had a very good season, it obviously wouldn't be nice if it was cancelled now," he said.

"On the other hand, for clubs who aren't doing as well and 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 will have to be pushed back further.

German 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 can be paid.

"Of course I think it's okay, that goes without saying, (but) there's been no discussion in England yet," he said.

"Perhaps that's because the English clubs are a bit financially stronger than the clubs in Germany at the moment.

"I don't know who has the final say in that decision. On the other hand, if a player says, 'no, I don't want that, I worked hard for it, I get my salary', then it can go in the opposite direction.

"For me personally, it would be okay but, to be honest, you have to be tolerant and if there are players who are against that, then that's also an acceptable situation."