“Crucial win for our first game of the season, good job! Come on!”. Ilkay Gündogan congratulated his Barça teammates for their first victory in the Mestalla de Valencia (1-2), Saturday evening in the opening of La Liga, thanks to a double from Robert Lewandowski (on a service from Lamine Yamal then on a penalty). Marc Bernal, 17, and Marc Casado, 20, formed the Blaugranas’ midfield. Hansi Flick placed Raphinha at number 10 behind “Lewy” and Pedri came on in the second half.
“Gündo” was announced as having forfeited due to a blow to the head received on Monday during the last preparation match against Monaco (0-3 defeat at Montjuic, in the Gamper Trophy). This would be false, according to Brand this Sunday. The former Manchester City player, who trained normally in the run-up to the trip to Valencia, would simply be put on the transfer list by his managers. Joan Laporta’s FCB is in a ridiculous situation since, outside the financial fair play rules of the Spanish Liga, it is not able to register Dani Olmo, recruited for 47 million euros (plus eight in bonuses).
Barça has resources in midfield
Forced to let go of a big salary, Barça opted for Gündogan, 33, who is the third highest paid player in the squad behind Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong, at more than 15 million euros per year. The German international was nevertheless the essential technical leader of his team last season, playing almost all the matches of the season (he only missed two of the 38 league games, playing the 10 Champions League games and the 5 domestic cups).
If his compatriot Gündogan leaves, Hansi Flick will still be spoilt for choice in midfield this season. Dani Olmo, who shone with La Roja at the Euros, is capable of playing at number 10, being remarkable in his positioning between the lines. Pedri is operational for now, Gavi will be back soon and Fermin Lopez, fantastic during the Olympic football tournament, is waiting to get more playing time.
