Ilkay Gundogan expects a difficult night when Galatasaray host Barcelona at RAMS Park on Tuesday. One season at Barcelona left him with no illusions about his former club.
“Right now, for me, Barcelona are the best team in Europe and the clear favourites to win the Champions League,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
Gundogan joined Galatasaray on a free transfer in 2025 after a single season in Catalonia. Facing former team-mates will be an emotional occasion, he admitted.
“I’m not nervous, but it’s definitely a very special feeling. Seeing so many familiar faces in the opposition team, players I shared a changing room with and have great memories of, is very moving.”
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Flick ‘knows exactly how to manage’
Barcelona have won their last nine competitive matches, their first such streak since 1935-36.
“Hansi is an outstanding manager who knows exactly how to manage a team. He brings a very clear footballing philosophy and, at the same time, creates a positive atmosphere.”
“The fact that his ideas have worked so quickly at Barcelona shows just how good he is.”
Rodri ‘made all the difference’
Gundogan was most effusive about Rodri, who won the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final. The Ballon d’Or is handed out in London on 26 October.
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“For me, Rodri has been the most complete defensive midfielder in the world for years. At the 2026 World Cup, he was the best player in the tournament and made all the difference.”
“Playing alongside him was a real privilege because he gives the team so much structure and balance.”
He was equally effusive about Lamine Yamal, 19.
“From his very first training session with us, it was clear that Lamine had incredible talent. But the maturity and consistency he shows on the world stage at such a young age is astonishing.”
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Gundogan also picked out two more La Masia graduates. Pau Cubarsí “reads the game very well and is incredibly composed on the ball for his age”; Fermín López “brings great energy, work rate and a threat in front of goal from midfield”.
Dinner with Xavi
Gundogan arrived in Barcelona under Xavi in 2023 and left after one season.
“Xavi was one of my great role models as a player, and learning from him as a manager was a wonderful experience.”
“In fact, we built a very good and friendly relationship during that time, and we even went out for dinner with our families before he left the club.”
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Kick-off at RAMS Park is at 10pm local time on Tuesday. Galatasaray need a response after losing 3-1 away to Sporting CP in their European opener; Barcelona won their first game 5-1 against Feyenoord.
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