Gundogan: 'I wish I could do more for Xavi'

Spain In La Vanguardia newspaper, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan talked about Xavi's decision to leave the team at the end of the season and Barca's target of Hansi Flick - the coach who coached him in the German national team.

"I was surprised, I didn't expect it," Gundogan said of Xavi's announcement that he would leave Barca at the end of the 2023-2024 season. "I wish I could have done more for Xavi. He was the reason I came to Barca. If our conversations had been different, I wouldn't have come here. Xavi makes a difference, and I'm grateful to him."

Last season, Gundogan captained Man City to a historic treble, scoring twice in the FA Cup final win over Man Utd 2-1. In total, Gundogan scored 60 goals, provided 40 assists, won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields and a Champions League in seven years at Man City.

In the summer of 2023, Gundogan did not renew his contract with Man City to move to Barca at Xavi's invitation. "I respect Xavi's decision. He deserves a lot of praise. Xavi thinks about his family, the players, the club before thinking about himself. Xavi loves Barca," Gundogan added about the Spanish coach.

Gundogan listens to instructions from coach Xavi during Barca's away match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in the Copa del Rey on January 24, 2024. Photo: AFP — Gundogan listens to instructions from coach Xavi during Barca's away match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in the Copa del Rey on January 24, 2024. Photo: *AFP*

After the 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal in round 22 of La Liga, Xavi announced his decision to leave Barca at the end of the season. Since then, the Catalan club has been unbeaten, winning 1-0 against Osasuna, 3-1 against Alaves, 2-1 against Celta Vigo, and drawing 3-3 with Granada in La Liga. Gundogan believes that the atmosphere in the Barca dressing room is still good, and that he personally has not changed in terms of performance or mentality after Xavi's announcement. "I will continue to do everything I can, to try my best to help improve the level of the club," he said.

Hansi Flick is considered a potential candidate to replace Xavi to lead Barca from next season. Flick is free after saying goodbye to the German national team and has achieved many successes at Bayern - winning one Champions League, two Bundesligas, one German Cup, one German Super Cup, one European Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Gundogan, who played under Flick for the national team, was asked about the rumours. "There are many coaches who are being talked about and I won't comment on that," the 33-year-old midfielder replied. "I can only say that Flick is not only a great person but also a world-class coach, as he proved with the treble with Bayern. Flick led the German national team in difficult circumstances, but always with sincerity and I have great respect for him."

Having fallen behind Real by eight points in the La Liga race, Barca can now focus on the Champions League, where they will face Serie A champions Napoli in the round of 16. Gundogan stressed that Barca must improve their performance and get a good result in the first leg at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on February 21.

Gundogan was cautious when asked about Barca's chances of winning the Champions League. "I see many clubs with more ability and experience. But if they reach the quarter-finals, Barca will enter a special period. Who could have expected Inter to reach the final last year? I am a realistic person but I also know that competing for the title is difficult for all teams," said the 33-year-old midfielder.

Hong Duy

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