In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Gündoğan discussed the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against FC Barcelona, his experience at the club, and many former teammates. He stated that Rodri is the most complete defensive midfielder in the world and that the current Barcelona squad is the strongest team in the world in his opinion.

Related article:

Gündoğan: Rodri is the most complete defensive midfielder in the world, the pillar of every team

The 34-year-old Gündoğan returned to Manchester City after spending the 2023-24 season at FC Barcelona, then joined Galatasaray in the summer of 2025 after one season. During his time at Barcelona, he spoke his mind freely. As a legend at the Etihad Stadium, he commanded respect and influence. At Manchester City, he won many honors alongside Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, and Éric García. At Barcelona, he witnessed the growth of Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí, and Fermin. On Tuesday at 21:00 CET in the Champions League match, he will reunite with these players, as well as Hansi Flick, who was his coach with the German national team.

This is your second season at Galatasaray. How do you feel in Istanbul?

Gündoğan said: "Istanbul is a wonderful city to live in, and the support from the fans is always impressive. Every season has its own rhythm and challenges. Right now, we are all focused on the important matches ahead."

Are you nervous about playing against Barcelona and facing many former teammates?

Gündoğan said: "I'm not nervous, but it is a very special feeling. Seeing so many familiar faces in the opposing team, seeing players I once shared a dressing room with and created good memories with, brings a lot of emotion. When the whistle blows, I will be fully focused on the match. It will be nice to meet good friends before and after the game."

Galatasaray has signed world-class players like Osimhen, Leão, Sané, and yourself in recent years. For Barcelona fans who may not be familiar with the team, what are the main strengths?

Gündoğan said: "We have several players with exceptional individual qualities in our squad, especially in attack. But our greatest strength is the energy and drive our team can generate, especially when playing at Rams Park in front of our supporters. When we have a solid defensive setup and channel that enthusiasm into intensity on the pitch, we can create problems for any team in the world."

You haven't played much this season. How do you respond to transfer rumors about you?

Gündoğan said: "No, those rumors are not true. I hope to stay here after the January transfer window and give my all to help Galatasaray win the league title again."

Barcelona had a very strong start to the season. How can you beat them?

Gündoğan said: "Barcelona is playing exceptionally well and with high confidence. When facing a team in such great form, you have to be nearly perfect defensively and brave enough on the ball. You cannot sit back in your penalty box and wait for opportunities. You must make the most of the limited space they leave you during transitions. In my opinion, Barcelona is the best team in Europe right now and among the top contenders for the UEFA Champions League title."

Do you expect Hansi Flick to have great success at Barcelona?

Gündoğan said: "Hansi Flick is an excellent coach who knows how to manage a team precisely. He has a very clear football philosophy and can create a good atmosphere. The fact that his philosophy worked so quickly at Barcelona shows his capabilities."

What is Hansi Flick like in the German national team dressing room? Is discipline a key priority for him?

Gündoğan said: "He took charge during a very difficult time for the German national team, and you can still see today how challenging that job is. High discipline and standards are important to Hansi Flick because without them, it's impossible to succeed at the highest level. But his truly outstanding quality is his ability to understand and empathize with others. He demands full commitment and professionalism, but he remains human, willing to communicate and approachable. He creates an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best work."

What are your memories of your time at Barcelona under Xavi?

Gündoğan said: "Looking back on that year, my heart is filled with gratitude and pride. Wearing the shirt of a club with such history was a dream come true. Xavi is one of the players I deeply respect, and learning from him as a coach was an excellent experience.

We got along very well during that time and developed a deep friendship. Before he left the club, we even had dinner together with our families. Xavi's life revolves around Barcelona, and during that difficult transition period for the club, he tried hard to help the team. I am deeply grateful for the time I worked with him."

Barcelona fans remember Gündoğan as a player who always spoke his mind. Do you regret anything you said to the media?

Gündoğan said: "Every time I speak publicly, it comes from one thing only: my deep love for the club and a strong desire to win. I have always set the highest standards for myself and expect the same sense of responsibility from those around me. My words are never intended to be negative, but to help us grow as a team and meet the expectations of a club like Barcelona."

What went wrong in the 2023-24 season that prevented Barcelona from winning any trophies?

Gündoğan said: "At the highest level, details often decide the outcome. We were unlucky. Key players got injured at crucial times. In important Champions League matches or El Clásico, we lacked a bit of luck in finishing or were slightly off in converting chances. The team's strength was definitely there."

You saw Lamine Yamal break through at just 16 years old. Did you expect him to reach his current level by age 19?

Gündoğan said: "From the first time he trained with us, it was clear that Lamine Yamal had incredible ability. But his capacity to show growth and consistency at the world stage from such a young age is remarkable. The ease with which he plays is rarely seen in other players. It has been a true joy to watch him play. I wish him all the best, and most importantly, I hope he stays healthy."

แปลโดย AI

เว็บไซต์ AF เปิดตัวแล้ว! ดูข่าว ความคิดเห็น รายละเอียดแมตช์ และสถิติครบถ้วนบนคอมพิวเตอร์ของคุณ เยี่ยมชม: www.allfootballapp.com