As a result of a stomach bug sweeping through the Barcelona squad in the eleventh minute of their match against Juventus, the match was forced to be postponed and will now serve as the team’s first preseason game. The upcoming match against Arsenal will serve as the team’s first preseason game.
The most anticipated moment for fans is Ilkay Gundogan’s first game with the team, which will take place shortly before the game. On Wednesday night, the three-time Premier League champion and former Manchester City captain will play his first minutes for the Blaugrana. It should come as no surprise that he is excited for this opportunity.
Before making his debut, he engaged in a lengthy conversation with Mundo Deportivo, during which he discussed a wide range of subjects.
The new player began his interview with a quick explanation of the recently postponed match between Barcelona and Juventus, the viral gastroenteritis that plagued the squad, and the forthcoming game against Arsenal. He also mentioned the viral gastroenteritis that troubled the squad.
“I was fortunate enough to avoid contracting the virus, but a significant number of my teammates did. Nonetheless, there is no need for concern at this time, and tomorrow’s match versus Arsenal will go off without a hitch,” he stated.
“The infection came as a complete shock. In the morning, we made our way to a restaurant for breakfast. We were aware that several of the players were not feeling well and that they had stopped going down to the dining room for breakfast. It was a terrible thing to happen.We are prepared to compete against Arsenal. It is of the utmost importance that we get a head start on our preparations for this season.
The German has not been under Xavi Hernandez’s charge for very long, but he disclosed that his adjustment to the dynamic of the team had been rather uncomplicated by saying:
To tell you the truth, adjusting hasn’t been that difficult for me. The team is in excellent shape, with both inexperienced and veteran players contributing. I am already familiar with a good number of them.”
In the course of the German star’s career, he has had the opportunity to spend time with Rebert Lewandowski, since the two of them have previously shared a locker room while playing for Borussia Dortmund. Gundogan recalled the incident and commented on the quality of play displayed by the Polish international.
“Lewandowski is a very experienced player, and probably the most experienced player in the squad as a whole.” Because we went to Dortmund together, I have a good familiarity with him. After I became a member, I started having a lot of conversations with him. I can imagine him contributing to the success of other players with his positive attitude and innovative ideas.
The midfielder was then asked if he was made to do anything unique during his first encounter with the group, to which he responded with good humor, “No, I didn’t have to do anything special.”
“No, I just needed to give a speech in the locker room; it was just a few words for the team as a whole.” I am a terrible vocalist, so it’s a good thing I didn’t have to perform anything since I didn’t have to.
Players from all across the world share the common goal of one day donning the Barcelona jersey. After Gundogan was eventually able to secure his desired relocation, he was asked to comment on the aspect of the institution that astonished him the most, and he answered the following:
“It’s probably a combination of the club’s size as well as the interest and influence it has around the world,” she said. Not only in regard to soccer, but sports in general. I believe that the club’s core ideals and its DNA are properly reflected in me.”
The middle of the park provides Xavi Hernandez with a wealth of opportunities and resources as the new season begins. The newly acquired player addressed his place on the squad as well as the standards set by the manager for his performance. Additionally, he discussed the part that Xavi played in his signing with Barcelona.
“The expectations that Xavi has are the same ones that I have for myself. He encourages me to play football at the finest level I am capable of while also mentoring younger players who are in the same position as me. They’re going to benefit from my years of knowledge as well as my kind demeanor.
“To tell you the truth, he didn’t need to say very much. The manner in which he communicated with me, the intensity with which he performs, and the power of this group were sufficient. After my initial conversation with him, it became quite evident that I desired to sign with Barcelona.
The captain of the team that won the treble then expounded on what he contributes to the field from a strategic aspect, noting that his versatility would be useful for the team.
“I believe that I am a very versatile player; I am able to play a variety of positions and can take on a variety of roles, and I have done so in the past.” I am capable of contributing goals, assists, and anything else.”
It is impossible to overstate the impact that Pep Guardiola had on Gundogan during his formative years. His time spent working with the Spanish strategist allowed him to improve in a number of different aspects of his game, and the player emphasized the same thing in his interview.
“Of sure, I picked up a lot of valuable lessons from Pep Guardiola. When I joined, I was maybe 25 or 26 years old. When it comes to football, even when you think you know a lot, there are always new things to learn. When I first started hanging out with him seven years ago, I can honestly say that I knew nothing at all about football.
“In every squad he has led, Pep has followed the exact same routine. He joined the team, bringing his playing style with him, and immediately improved the quality of their football.
The 32-year-old player then said that Xavi strongly admired his ability to identify the key final pass and cited it as one of the primary reasons he was signed. Xavi named it one of the primary reasons he was signed.
“Xavi wanted to sign me because he thought I had the ability to play the final pass, which was one of the reasons he wanted to sign me.” In important moments, when you need to be able to get between the defensive lines to create opportunities for yourself and your teammates, I have been able to do this.
Gundogan, when asked about his steadfast attempts over the years to sign with the Blaugrana, replied, “I’ve been working very hard.”
“I’ve stated that before. I came very close to joining Barca on multiple previous occasions. Whatever the cause may have been, it did not take place before this point. They say that sometimes excellent things take time, and this is one of those occasions.
The former star player for Manchester City took a trip down memory lane and discussed some of the most memorable things that happened in Barcelona throughout his time as a supporter of the club. Throughout this process, he acknowledged players like as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Ronaldinho as his primary influences.
“The performance Ronaldinho gave at the Bernabeu is one that I will never forget. Even fans of Real Madrid were clapping and cheering for him. That was very enjoyable to see for me.I’ve seen a ridiculous number of Barcelona matches. The group consisting of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets was unrivaled on the international stage. They were a great source of information for me.
Leo Messi was the greatest player in the history of football, and Barcelona had him. It was an amazing experience to see him play for 10–15 years. I really should have gotten together with him and played.”
Gundogan was subjected to his first extensive interview as a Barcelona player, and it was inevitable that the subject of Real Madrid would come up during the course of the conversation. The newly acquired player discussed the roster of the Merengues as well as the possibility of adding Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid is as formidable a team as they have been in previous seasons. They have assembled a highly formidable squad by recruiting players of high caliber. We are going to compete alongside them to win the league, and who knows, maybe even the Champions League as well.
It would be beneficial for the league if Mbappe were to sign with Real Madrid. There is no need for alarm. We have the ability to compete against any squad in the globe.
Barcelona will begin the 2023–24 season with the intention of successfully defending their league championship. The German superstar discussed the most significant dangers posed by that front and the arduous nature of the challenge that lies ahead.
“On paper, Real Madrid are the team that poses the greatest threat to my chances of winning the league title, but I still have to play all of the opponents. My experience in this league is limited, but I am aware that any team in the competition can injure you. For instance, some of my teammates have informed me about the challenges posed by certain away games.
My teammates have mentioned to me that during the past few years, they have struggled to perform well at arenas such as Celta or Rayo Vallecano.
Finally, the seasoned player weighed in on the ongoing discussion on who should win the Ballon d’Or, stating his opinion as follows: “I believe that Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland should win the Ballon d’Or. There does not appear to be anyone else in the area. I’m pleased I don’t have to make the call, because both of them certainly deserve it.