Ilkay Gundogan is believed to have left Barcelona dissatisfied with the behaviour of two of his former team-mates, in line with experiences in Spain.
The previous Manchester Metropolis captain spent only one season in Catalonia after leaving the Etihad on the heels of profitable the membership’s historic Treble in 2023.
Whereas Gundogan signed a two-year deal to affix the Catalan giants, the Germany worldwide made an surprising return to his outdated membership this summer time as Barcelona tried to shift his over-£200,000-a-week wage off their books.
Gundogan was allowed to depart the membership on a free switch, with Pep Guardiola delighted to have the ability to name upon his midfield basic as soon as once more.
However beneath completely different monetary circumstances, Gundogan might have nonetheless opted to depart the Blaugrana, after struggling to gel with two of the dressing room’s massive beasts.
Former captain Ilkay Gundogan made his sensational return to Manchester Metropolis this summer time
The midfielder spent only one season at his new membership Barcelona earlier than leaving in a free transfer
Gundogan left the Etihad on the heels of serving to the membership win their historic Treble in 2022-23
As per Bar Canaletes, Gundogan is believed to have discovered fault with membership captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen and a participant he beforehand performed alongside at Borussia Dortmund, Robert Lewandowski.
Journalist Joan Fontes advised the Spanish-language radio programme that the 33-year-old had taken situation with Ter Stegen’s extra reserved persona, believeing that the goalkeeper ought to have been a extra vocal presence within the dressing room.
Ter Stegen is believed to have largely stored to himself amid his colleagues, one thing which Gundogan is believed to have discovered troublesome to work alongside.
Gundogan’s situation with Lewandowski is believed to have stemmed from his perception within the participant’s perspective on youth improvement.
The prolific Polish striker didn’t – in his team-mate’s eyes – place an excessive amount of emphasis on serving to youthful gamers within the squad develop, as a substitute focusing extra intently on his personal tally.
Gundogan is believed to have felt that Lewandowski’s personal performances, somewhat than the group’s, had been extra vital to the striker.
Monday’s revelations aren’t the primary time that Gundogan’s discontent with the dressing room at Barcelona have come beneath scrutiny.
Final October, Gundogan slammed his team-mates within the wake of defeat in El Clasico to Actual Madrid, and as just lately as April, the midfielder publicly tore into the group’s efficiency after they had been knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Gundogan is believed to have taken umbrage with Robert Lewandowski’s refusal to assist youthful gamers within the squad
The participant is believed to have struggled together with his compatriot Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s reticence
Together with Ronald Araujo, Lewandowski was one among Gundogan’s major targets as he spoke to the media after full-time.
Lewandowski was one of many gamers liable for Vitinha’s purpose, and whereas Gundogan opted to not title names, he made his emotions about Barcelona’s defensive frailties on the night time clear.
‘Once more, it is one other mistake. I feel now we have to step on the market and do not let him shoot as a result of he was so free,’ Gundogan stated.
‘I imply, it is not something we’ve not educated to be sincere. The closest man to the participant, to the ball, has to step out. We had been three with three and Vitinha was the fourth man.
‘Somebody has to step out however nobody did, or did too late, it was a superb shot and the second purpose,’ he added. ‘Once more, it was not essential in any respect nevertheless it’s too late proper now.’
