The tone of Ilkay Gündogan, recently arrived at FC Barcelona and, therefore, still uncontaminated with respect to his daily journey to madness, is calm, realistic and even hopeful. The veteran midfielder, born in Gelsenkirchen 33 years ago, assumes that his new team must improve, but frames that progress within the logical evolution of a club that wants to get closer to what it was. Gündogan tells us that he prefers to chat rather than be interviewed. He tries.
How is your adaptation to the club and Barcelona going?
My family and I are very happy here. We have a small child and we can go outside with him even in December.
They live in the city?
Yes, after the occasional move we have found what we were looking for. My wife and I like to walk, discover restaurants, explore the city... We have been living in Manchester for seven years. It was important.
You look happy...
We are.
One imagines the Barça players more stressed.
I have been in my career for 15 years and I know that my happiness depends on my work, the two paths cannot be separated, but it is good to try, even if it is impossible.
It is?
Sooner or later you end up taking out your frustrations at home. The key is to try to maintain as optimistic a mood as possible. Family is vital in my case, they always support me.
Does Barça correspond to the club that was expected?
I knew I was coming to one of the biggest clubs in the world. With thousands of fans and, with them, opinions on everything and all kinds. I try to maintain balance.
Where is there more pressure, in Barcelona or at City?
I don't see too much difference. I put the pressure on myself. I'm smart enough to know when I've played a good or bad game. I look at myself, even when criticism comes from family or friends. “You could have been better today, Ilkay.”
Do not tell me. Who is that critical family member?
My mother is the worst (laughs). My parents accompanied my older brother and me everywhere from a very young age and they still follow my career today. My mother is always the most critical. “You haven't been well today, huh…”
What is Gündogan's best game at Barça so far according to his mother?
The one from the Alavés field. A goal and an assist.
Do you agree?
I don't think so. Numbers are one thing but that feeling when you have just played a round match does not have to coincide with the statistics. You can play very well in a deeper position despite not scoring. This season I have played in the pivot with more defensive tasks and that makes me value more the teammates who cover my back when I attack more.
Like now since Christensen and De Jong are behind. Five goals and ten assists...
If I play there I have to provide figures. In the last third I am closer to the goal and you have to be noticed there, giving the last pass or scoring. I think I'm good at interpreting what each place demands, whether behind or in front. The key is that this gear works collectively.
If I tell you that this Barça has the potential to play better, do you agree?
Yes, definitely. Each of us can do better. We are not playing according to the expectations created. It's no excuse but we have gone through many difficulties, injuries, young players under a lot of pressure...
When do you see the team being able to turn that around?
These next two or three months will be key. It is the decisive moment of the season. We must take maximum care of our body and train well to arrive in the best shape. Raise the level.
De Jong, Pedri, you... One of the best midfielders in Europe should flow more.
I wouldn't say that we are the best, but there is a lot of talent there. But how many games have we played together? Ten? We have to find balance and that is achieved over time. Trust each other one hundred percent, get to know each other better, create connections and automatisms. It happened with De Jong and now I have advanced the position. I'm trying now to generate more chemistry with Lamine Yamal and others.
What a player. 16 years. Did you see anything similar in your career?
No, because the amazing thing starts with his age and I have never trained with such a young boy professionally. I can't compare it to anything. He is very special, you have to be careful, he is a teenager. He already takes a lot of responsibility.
Do you feel like a teacher?
Not quite. The best thing I can do is lead and act to set an example for those around me. Convey that if you work hard and give it your all, you will be a better player. It's what Lamine should see around her.
Is the team ready to compete in this Champions League, starting tomorrow in Naples?
Yes of course. We need these games to level up. The Champions League is about that, about competing, about demanding the most from ourselves. I love this kind of pressure. We traveled to Naples for a good result.
This team lacks leadership. You just arrived.
The team has lost many leaders in just two years and that is difficult to replace. Leadership is earned by what others see in you. It comes naturally but it takes time. In my case, I need to improve my Spanish to communicate better. I'm on it.
Being realistic, do you think that Barça has a chance of winning this Champions League?
I'll be honest. I see other teams with more possibilities and experience. But if we qualify for the quarterfinals we enter special territory. Who could have expected that Inter would reach the final last year? I am realistic, but I also know that it is difficult for everyone.
How far is Barça from City, for example?
We won't know until we compete with them. Every game starts from scratch in the Champions League. I would love to see us compete with these types of teams but let's focus on Napoli now.
They will change coaches...
That will make the tie even more difficult. The greater the challenge, the better for everyone.
Do you speak with Guardiola?
Yes, oftenly. We talked about life and, above all, about Barcelona and Barcelona. It is a team that is in his heart and you notice it every time he speaks to you.
What is your relationship with Xavi like?
It was fundamental for me to come to Barcelona. If the conversations we had had been different, I wouldn't be here. He made the difference. I'm really grateful to you.
What was your reaction when you found out about his resignation?
It surprised me, I didn't expect it. I wish I could have done more for him. I have that feeling.
Do you understand, after a few weeks?
I respect his decision, he deserves a lot of credit. Think about the family, the players and the club before him. Xavi loves Barça...
Has there been a reaction in the locker room and on the field?
I see a very good locker room, a good atmosphere. But nothing changes in terms of my performance or my mentality, I will continue doing everything possible for the team and the club, giving my best version to contribute to raising the level of this team.
There are still those who wonder why you didn't change City for a less stressful place.
It's football. You compete. I've been in this business for a long time and winning is not something they give you as a gift. In my career I have had more years without success than with triumphs. You must fall to get up and appreciate successes more. Football is like life.
Many names have already come up as possible replacements for Xavi, but Hansi Flick stands out, whom you had as coach.
Many names are coming up and that is not my league nor will I comment on it. I can only say that Hansi Flick is not only a fabulous guy but also a great coach, as he demonstrated by winning the club for Bayern. He came to the national team in a very complicated situation, but he always seemed authentic and I respect him a lot.
How many years do you see yourself in Barcelona?
I want to be better, enjoy success here.
