“After such an important match and a negative result, I would like to see more anger and disappointment. That’s part of the problem. (…) I didn’t come here to lose these types of matches like that or to allow gaps like that to be visible.” Ilkay Gündogan did not hide his anger after the defeat of FC Barcelona (2-1) in the Clasico last Saturday. Since then, the midfielder has been the talk of the Catalan press. His statements spark a lot of controversy.
If his reaction is rather legitimate and understandable in substance, the manner of it poses a bit of a problem. Certainly, at 33, he has seen others but by saying such things, he is breaking the locker room code, the one where everything must be resolved internally. The problem seems quite deep according to the information from Sport. Since his arrival in Catalonia this summer, Gündogan has repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the functioning of the club. His behavior yesterday during the Ballon d’Or is further proof of the unease that is emerging.
Gündogan negatively surprised by Barça
Accustomed at Manchester City to being helped for anything and everything, the midfielder regretted the lack of support from FC Barcelona. What bothers him more concerns the life of a high-level athlete. For example, he believes that he has not been sufficiently supported by his new club, which nevertheless assured him of having the status of an executive of the workforce, regarding his move. He would have liked to benefit from logistical facilities, help with his procedures and the search for accommodation.
He has already reported this type of problem to management, feeling that he was a little left behind with his wife and their six-month-old son. The club apologized, but other concerns were raised and took too long to be resolved, assures Sportwhich sums up : “Gündogan was surprised in a negative way.” Especially since he is not the only one. Other recruits who arrived in recent months did not receive the desired help when they signed, when reserve players had to fend for themselves to get to and from training.
