Ilkay Gundogan calls out Barcelona teammates after loss to Real Madrid: “We need to be angry”

Defeat embraced Barcelona in a fateful 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in El Clasico yesterday as the Catalans failed to close the distance with their arch-rivals on the La Liga points table.

With Jude Bellingham’s last-minute winner snatching a point from Barcelona in the dying embers of the game, the hosts were forced to sulk back to the dressing room at full-time as a largely dominant display went to vain.

The scorer of Barcelona’s only goal, Ilkay Gundogan, gave his two cents in the aftermath of the display. The German has been renowned for stepping up in crunch moments, having previously made a name for himself as a big-game player at Manchester City.

His clutch gene was once again activated in the historic rivalry for Barcelona, but the former Manchester City captain did not seem pleased with the reaction of his Blaugrana teammates.

Brutally honest sentiments

Speaking to La Liga TV in the post-match conference, Gundogan shared:

“I don’t want to say anything wrong, but I was in the dressing room and there was disappointment, but to be honest, I would’ve liked to see more frustration and anger. There should be stronger feelings. I did not come here to lose these types of matches.”

The German international joined Barcelona on the back of a historic treble with the Cityzens and, understandably, does not look fond of being on the losing end. His annoyed demeanor and frustration were visibly conveyed in the interview.

Gundogan further claimed that the lack of remorse and reactions to such defeats eventually “transfer onto the pitch at the end of the day.”

The 33-year-old midfield maestro highlighted the severity of the situation, claiming that if improvements in this aspect are not made, “Real Madrid and even Girona are going to run away with the title.”

However, concluding the interview, Gundogan accepted accountability to make amends as an experienced veteran of the squad. He said, “There is also a responsibility from myself to not allow the squad to let things happen. We need resistance.”

Experienced players angry about the loss

Now, according to SPORT (h/t FCB World) experienced players in the team are angry about the loss to Real Madrid and believe that the team should have been more mature and intelligent.

Barcelona were in a comfortable position until Jude Bellingham’s thunderstrike from range turned the tides entirely. The missed chances and initial spell of assertion all went out of the window towards the end of the game.

Gavi acknowledged the team played well. but also claimed

“It’s worthless to play well if you don’t win.”

With Barcelona losing their bearings from dominant positions last season as well, the experienced individuals are aware of the ongoing issue and will be looking to solve these mental lapses.