Ilkay Gundogan’s comments have once again become a subject of controversy at Barcelona, with reports flooding in over potential discontent in the dressing room.
After the loss to PSG, Gundogan launched a scathing attack on the team’s performance and mentality – something he did six months ago after the loss to Real Madrid.
Gundogan even pointed out Ronald Araujo’s mistake which led to his expulsion and killed Barcelona’s chances against PSG.
Gundogan’s comments have received mixed responses, though the majority, including Sergi Roberto, has backed the German international.
Carles Puyol on Gundogan’s comments
Shortly after receiving support from his teammate Roberto, Gundogan has now received the backing of another prominent figure in Barcelona in the form of Carles Puyol.
The former club captain has opened up about Gundogan’s comments and how he was right to point out the team’s inefficiencies without pointing any blame at any individuals.
“Everyone is free to say what they want. I am in favour of talking about problems in the dressing room. Gündogan has given his opinion without having bad intentions,” said Puyol (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Regarded as one of the best defenders in Spanish football in the 21st century, Puyol is a respected figure in Barcelona. He even captained the team for a decade, notably securing a treble under Pep Guardiola.
The support from Puyol, therefore, certainly holds weight and should go a long way in putting an end to rumours of a rift within the Barcelona dressing room.
Puyol on Cubarsi, Xavi & Rafa Marquez
Puyol went on to offer his thoughts on various other topics, including Xavi and the Barcelona DNA that binds them together.
The former defender talked about Xavi’s departure, saying, “You should talk to Xavi about this, I think when he has already made a decision and I don’t think he will back down. It is a question for Xavi.”
Puyol was asked whether or not Rafa Marquez would be an ideal replacement for Xavi. The defender, though, remained coy on the matter, stating,
“That’s for Deco and company to decide. Rafa is a great friend, I wish him the best, but if he has or has to be the coach of the first team, that’s for Deco to decide.”
The former Barcelona defender, meanwhile, heaped praise on young starlet Pau Cubarsi, who has become one of the rising stars in Spanish football this year.
“It is a huge joy, it seems to me that he is having an incredible performance at only 17 years old. I think he has a very good future ahead of him,” Puyol said.
Puyol also offered his thoughts on the upcoming Clasico, admitting that it has come at a difficult time for Barcelona.
“It comes at a difficult time for Barcelona after the elimination, but it is also an opportunity to get involved in the league and we will see what happens in the end.
“When you have a blow like the one the other day, what you are waiting for is the next game comes quickly to be able to change the situation, and the dynamic, and get all the anger out. I think that’s what the team has to do,” he concluded.
