Gundogan’s post-Clasico criticism may have been directed at two Barcelona players – report

After Barcelona suffered a demoralizing 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the historic El Clasico derby, concerns regarding the team’s attitude were once again brought into question.

With the game being summed up as a tale of two halves, Barcelona failed to extend their first-half assertion after proceedings. As a result, Real Madrid, courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s brace, clinched the all-important three points.

The reaction of the dressing room following the result received criticism from Ilkay Gundogan, who addressed a key issue.

Gundogan left no prisoners in his interview, with his brutally harsh sentiments gaining worldwide traction.

He called out his teammates for not showing enough anger and disappointment, claiming the reaction to a result that was very avoidable was greatly concerning.

Two prime suspects

Now, according to Jota Jordi, in his statement, Gundogan was referring to two Barcelona players specifically whose atttitude he did not like inside the locker room.

Gundogan explicitly highlighted the negative reaction, stating, “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.”

With the details of the players called into question unknown, it would be futile to point fingers.

However, what’s certain is that Barcelona have suffered from a recurring theme, and the reaction to such displays helps explain why there have been minimal improvements.

Having won all there is to win at club level with Manchester City, Gundogan knows a thing or two about what it means to be in a title-winning dressing room.

Thus, the 33-year-old’s recognition of a deep-lying and persistent issue instills optimism for the future.