Gündogan’s Admiration for Barcelona’s Golden Era and Quest for Balance in Today’s Team

In a recent interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Ilkay Gündogan reflects on his admiration for Barcelona’s golden era under Guardiola and his role in the current Barcelona project. The midfielder reveals his fascination with the midfield trio of Xavi, Busquets, and Iniesta, citing their influence on his style of play.

Gündogan’s journey to Barcelona almost took a different turn, with Bayern Munich showing interest in him as a potential successor to the iconic duo of Xavi and Iniesta. However, his admiration for Guardiola’s philosophy ultimately led him to choose Barcelona.

Reflecting on the current Barcelona team, Gündogan acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from the club’s legendary past to its evolving present. With key players like Busquets and Alba providing experience while the team integrates young talents from La Masia, Gündogan sees his role as crucial in maintaining balance.

Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Gündogan remains optimistic about Barcelona’s trajectory, recognizing the team’s potential to regain control and intensity on the pitch. As they navigate through changes, Gündogan aims to contribute to Barcelona’s resurgence, drawing inspiration from the club’s illustrious history while forging a path towards a promising future.