Gundogan talks Messi, Lewandowski, Ronaldinho, Barcelona DNA, Mbappe, Ballon d’Or

Barcelona’s impending clash against Arsenal will be the team’s first game of the pre-season after the fixture against Juventus had to be cancelled in the nth minute due to a stomach bug breaking out in the squad.

Leading up to the game, the debut of Ilkay Gundogan is what fans look forward to the most. The treble-winning former Manchester City captain will play his first minutes in the Blaugrana colours on Wednesday night and is unsurprisingly eager to do so.

Ahead of his debut, he spoke to Mundo Deportivo about a plethora of topics in a long interaction.

The new signing kicked off his interview with a brief explanation of the recently cancelled match between Barcelona and Juventus, the viral gastroenteritis that plagued the squad, and the upcoming game against Arsenal.

“Luckily, I didn’t get the virus, but a lot of my teammates did. However, everyone is fine now and we’ll play against Arsenal without any problems,” he said.

“The virus was a surprise. We went to have breakfast in the morning. We had already heard that some players were not feeling well and they no longer went down for breakfast. It was unfortunate. We’re ready to face Arsenal. It’s very important for us to start preparing for this season.”

The German has not been under Xavi Hernandez’s command for long but revealed that his adaptation to the team’s dynamics had been fairly straightforward, saying:

“My adaptation has been very easy, to be honest. The group is very healthy; a mix of young and experienced players. I already know a lot of them.”

The German star has enjoyed the company of Rebert Lewandowski before in his career, for they shared the dressing room during their time at Borussia Dortmund. Gundogan recollected the same and spoke on the Polish international’s quality.

“Lewandowski is a very experienced player, probably the most experienced in the squad. I know him well from our time at Dortmund. When I joined, I had a lot of contact with him. I can see him helping other players with his attitude and ideas.”

The midfielder was then asked if he was made to do anything special during his first interaction with the squad to which he jovially replied,

“No, I just had to give a speech in the locker room, a few words for the group. Luckily, I didn’t have to sing anything because I’m a horrible singer.”

Playing for Barcelona is a lifelong dream of players across the globe. Having finally secured his dream move, Gundogan was asked to comment on what surprised him the most about the institution, as he said:

“Probably a combination between the size of the club as well as the interest and influence it has around the world. Not just football, but in general. I think that I perfectly align with the club’s values and DNA.”

Heading into the new season, Xavi Hernandez has abundant resources in the middle of the park. The new signing spoke about his role in the team and what the manager expected of him. He also revealed the role of Xavi in his signing for Barcelona.

“Xavi expects the same things that I demand for myself. He tells me to play football at the highest level that I can while helping the youngsters in my position. I’m going to help them with my experience and personality.”

“Honestly, he didn’t have to say a lot. The way that he spoke to me, the passion that he shows, and the strength of this squad were enough. After the first call with him, it was very clear that I wanted to join Barcelona.”

The treble-winning captain then elaborated on what he brings to the field from a tactical standpoint, revealing that his versatility would come in handy for the side.

“I think I am a very versatile player, I can play different positions, different roles, I have already done it in the past. I can bring goals, assists, everything.”

The role of Pep Guardiola in the shaping of Gundogan cannot be understated. His time under the Spanish tactician helped him refine several elements of his game, and the player explained the same in his interview.

“Of course, I learned a lot from Pep Guardiola. I was 25 or 26 when I joined. You think you know a lot about football, but then things can surprise you. After seven years with him, I can tell you that I had absolutely no idea about football before.

“Pep did the same thing in every team he has managed. He came in, brought his style of play, and changed their football for the better.”

The 32-year-old then brought to light that Xavi highly valued his ability to find the crucial final pass and called it one of the primary reasons he was signed.

“One of the reasons that Xavi wanted to sign me was because of my ability to play the final pass. In crucial moments, where you have to be able to get in between the defensive lines to create chances for myself and my teammates.”

Commenting on his persistent efforts to sign for the Blaugrana over the years, Gundogan said,

“I’ve said it before. I was close to joining Barça several times before. For whatever reason, it did not happen until now. Sometimes they say that good things take time.”

The former Manchester City star took a dive back into the past and highlighted the key events of Barcelona that he could recollect watching as a fan. In the process, he included players like Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho as his idols.

“I will never forget Ronaldinho’s performance at the Bernabeu. Even Madrid fans were applauding him. I really enjoyed watching that. I watched so many Barça matches. The trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets was the best in the world. I learned a lot from them.”

“Barcelona had the best player in football history, Leo Messi. Watching him play for 10-15 years was incredible. I wish I would have played with him.”

Facing his first elaborate interview as a Barcelona player, it was inevitable that the topic of Real Madrid come up to face Gundogan. The new signing spoke about the Merengues’ squad and the possible signing of Kylian Mbappe.

“Real Madrid are as strong as they are every season. They have a very competitive team and have signed good players. We’ll fight with them to win the league, and maybe the Champions League too.”

“If Real Madrid sign Mbappe, it would be good for the league. We shouldn’t worry. We’re ready to face any team in the world.”

Barcelona head into the 2023-24 season with the objective of defending their league title. The German star spoke on the biggest threats on that front and the difficulty of the challenge ahead.

“On paper, Real Madrid are the strongest competition for the league title, but I have to meet all the teams. The league is new for me, and I know that every team can hurt you. For example, my teammates have told me about the difficulty of some away games.”

“My teammates have told me that in recent years they have suffered in grounds such as Celta or Rayo Vallecano.”

Finally, the veteran gave his verdict on the Ballon d’Or debate, saying: “I think that the Ballon D’or should go to Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland. I don’t see anyone else near them. I’m glad I’m not the one to decide, but both of them deserve it.”