Nagelsmann Comes to Gündogan’s Defense

Erling Haaland’s Father Spotted in Barcelona!

Gündogan: “It’s Good to Have Toni Kroos Behind You”

Gündogan Pleased with Kroos’s Return to the German National Team / Perform

Ilkay Gündogan is the player with the most minutes logged this season at Barça (3,375) and the only one who has participated in all 42 official matches the Blaugrana have played. The midfielder is an undisputed asset in Xavi Hernández’s plans and also a key figure for the German national team, which will host the Euro 2024 this summer.

Germany’s national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has given the Barça player the captain’s armband in the two prestigious victories against France (0-2) and the Netherlands (2-1) during this international break, with Gündogan playing as an attacking midfielder, flanked by Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.

Gündogan started in both matches. He was substituted for Thomas Müller in the 72nd minute against France and gave way to Chris Fuhrich in the 59th minute against the Netherlands. Gündogan himself, always critical of his performance, admitted that he lost possession many times against France. Such reflections have led some sectors of the press to question his starting position ahead of the Euro 2024.

Some sectors advocate for Leroy Sané, who missed these two friendlies due to a three-match suspension resulting from his expulsion in the last match against Austria.

Questioned about this circumstance after the victory against the Netherlands, Nagelsmann praised Sané and highlighted that he will be an important piece in his plans but staunchly defended Gündogan.

The German coach appreciated Gündogan’s self-criticism, stating, “Ilkay was very self-critical against France and said he lost possession many times. In this regard, he handled the situation excellently.”

Having said that, Nagelsmann noted Gündogan’s improvement against the Netherlands: “He has been more stable.” He also explained the reasons why Gündogan hasn’t showcased his best football in these two friendlies: “Ilkay plays 90 minutes in every match at Barça. He’s not as fresh, has played many matches, and may be feeling the effects of this circumstance.”