Gundogan Slams Barcelona Teammates After Crushing Champions League Exit
Barcelona’s devastating Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain has exposed a potential rift within the Catalan giants’ dressing room.
Ilkay Gundogan Revisits Criticism Following Loss
Ilkay Gundogan, a former Manchester City midfielder, emerged as a vocal critic of his teammates once again. This follows his public disapproval after a La Liga defeat to Real Madrid back in October. On that occasion, Gundogan expressed frustration with players appearing unbothered by the loss.
Divided Opinions on Gundogan’s Approach
This time around, Ilkay Gundogan appears to have garnered some support from his colleagues according to As, suggesting a potential split in the locker room. His criticism comes as Barcelona prepares to face their arch-rivals Real Madrid again this weekend.
Targeting Key Moments in the Loss
Ilkay Gundogan specifically pinpointed a red card issued to Ronald Araujo in the 29th minute as a turning point. “If he fouled him, I guess it’s a red card,” Gundogan acknowledged speaking to CBS.
He questioned the decision but emphasized the importance of composure in crucial moments. “You need to be sure to get the ball,” he said. Gundogan argued that avoiding a red card, even if it meant conceding a goal, would have been a better outcome.
Defensive Lapses Under Scrutiny
Beyond the red card, Gundogan highlighted defensive lapses throughout the match. He criticized the way Barcelona conceded a goal to Vitinha, suggesting Robert Lewandowski should have been tighter in marking the PSG player.
“We have to step out there and don’t let him shoot,” Gundogan said. He emphasized that such situations are covered in training and questioned why no Barcelona player took responsibility for closing down Vitinha.
Similar Frustrations with Conceded Penalty
Gundogan also expressed disapproval for a penalty conceded by Joao Cancelo, which led to a goal by Kylian Mbappe. While not mentioning Cancelo by name, Gundogan described it as a “decisive action” that ultimately punished Barcelona.
These repeated criticisms from Gundogan highlight the frustration within Barcelona’s squad as they come to terms with their Champions League exit and prepare for another crucial La Liga clash.
