What’s still in it for FC Barcelona? In an interview, Ilkay Gündogan explains the positive trend, talks about his dream final in the Champions League – and regrets Xavi’s departure
Ilkay Gündogan has often hinted that he can well imagine becoming a coach after his active career. “I would be crazy if I didn’t think about it,” said the captain of the German national team in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Sport, referring to the many prominent coaches he has already worked with.
And after Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola, the next big name could soon follow. FC Barcelona is looking for a successor to Xavi, who has announced his departure for the summer. As the Catalan was a decisive reason for his move from Manchester City to Barca last year, Gündogan is “naturally sad”.
But what does the change of coach mean for his own future? “There could be a new coach who doesn’t like Gündogan … I don’t know, you never know,” says the 33-year-old, but is by no means thinking of leaving. “I’ve signed on for two years and have no other plans. “
It was clear to him from the outset that he would have a difficult time at his “dream club”. “Of course it’s a different Barca than ten years ago, perhaps a transitional Barca, but I wanted to be part of it, leave my mark, have my influence on this change,” he explains. You just have to try to enjoy the current process. “In my career, I’ve never had a year where everything was easy. Even last season, when City won the treble, not everything was easy, not even in the years before that. Not a single one. There are always ups and downs. “
Xavi farewell? “If we had played like that in the first half of the season, things might have turned out differently “
At the moment, Gündogan sees more highs than lows at Barca and even perceives “euphoria and optimism” in the squad. “In the last two weeks, in the last two months, we’ve developed as a team. We’re very solid at the back, defend very well, score a lot of goals, create a lot of chances,” he emphasizes and has a few regrets about Xavi’s departure: “If we had played the way we’re playing now in the first half of the season, things might have been different, but soccer is always about today.”
In La Liga, leaders Real Madrid have an eight-point lead over the Catalans, while Paris St. Germain await in the Champions League quarter-finals. “Of course, the league seems difficult at the moment, but you never know. And in the Champions League, I have the feeling that everyone has a chance,” says defending champion Gündogan. His dream final? Barcelona against ManCity – “of course. But first and foremost, I would love to play the final with Barca, that would be extraordinary and it doesn’t matter who we face. “