Galatasaray midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has described Barcelona as the strongest team in world football ahead of their Champions League meeting, while talking about his time at the Catalan club and the people who influenced his experience there.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the former Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund midfielder discussed the impact of Hans Flick, the influence of Xavi, the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the qualities of several players he knows well.
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Gundogan, who represented Barça in the 2023/24 campaign, also explained what makes Barcelona so difficult to beat and why he believes they can win the Champions League.
His comments come ahead of an emotional reunion with former teammates, although the German insists his focus will shift entirely to the match once the referee blows his whistle.
Gundogan accepts Barcelona’s Champions League win
Gundogan admitted to bringing back strong memories against Barcelona, but decided to compete when Galatasaray faced the Blaugrana in Europe.
Asked if he was nervous about facing his senior teammates, Gundogan explained the personal significance of the season.
Gundogan will come up against his former Barcelona teammates. (Photo by Molly Darlington / Getty Images)
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“I’m not nervous, but it’s certainly a special feeling. Seeing so many familiar faces in the opposition team – the players I took to change places with great memories – very moving.
“Once the whistle blows, I will be all into the game. Before and after the match, it will be great to catch up with good friends.” bear
Barcelona have started the season in earnest and Gundogan believes their opponents will be strong rather than simply defending high if they want to challenge Flick’s side.
“Barça are playing with great dominance and confidence at the moment. To compete against a team in such delicate form, you have to defend almost perfectly and be the strongest on the ball.
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“You can’t just sit and wait in your box. You have to make the most of the few spaces they allow in transitions with great care.
“Now, for me, Barcelona are the best team in Europe and clear favorites to win the Champions League.”
The midfielder also praised Flick’s ability to quickly confirm his ideas, pointing to German tactical clarity and man-management as important factors behind Barcelona’s progress.
“Hansi is an excellent manager who knows exactly how to manage a team. He has a very clear philosophy and at the same time creates a positive atmosphere.
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“The fact that his thoughts have changed so quickly in Barcelona shows how good he is.”
Gundogan thinks about Xavi, La Masia and his Barcelona tenure
The only time Gundogani came to Barcelona was under Xavi, a former midfielder who had been surprised by working with him long before.
Although the campaign ends without a trophy, the German keeps the memory of his relationship and the experience of representing the club positive.
“I look back on that year with great grace and pride. Wearing the shirt of such a historic club was a dream come true for me.
“Xavi was one of my big role models as a player, and learning from him was a wonderful experience.
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“Yes, during that time we built the best and most friendly relationships, and we even went out to dinner with our family before the club left.”
Gundogan looked back on his time at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
“Xavi lives and breathes Barça football and has worked very hard to help the club through a difficult transition. I really appreciated our time together.” he noted.
Asked why Barcelona failed to win the trophy in 2023/24, Gundogan pointed to injuries and fine margins rather than a lack of talent.
“At the end of the day, decorating comes down to the details.
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“We were unlucky with the main injuries in the decisive moments, and in the decisive matches of the League or in El Clasico, we lacked just a little bit of luck or quality in front of the goal.
“He was definitely in a bunch there.”
The midfielder also highlighted the development of Barcelona’s young players, having witnessed Yamal’s breakthrough up close.
While the teenager’s talent was apparent early on, Gundogan was singularly impressed by his maturity.
“From our very first appointment with us, it was clear that Lamine had incredible talent. But he has shown maturity and determination on the world stage at such a young age that is amazing.
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“He plays with a natural ease that is rarely seen. It is a real joy to watch him play. I wish him nothing but the best, and most of all, I hope he stays fit.”
Gundogan also praised the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez, two academy graduates who established themselves in the first match of Xavi’s tenure.
“Both are great examples of the incredible work done at La Masia. Pau Cubarsi reads the game very well and is incredibly composed for a team of his age.
“Fermin brings great energy, work rate and a threat in front of goal from midfield. Both are huge talents and have the right mindset to play an important role for the club for many years to come.”
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Gundogan talks to Rodri and Gabriel Jesus
Gundogan also discussed former Manchester City teammates Rodri and Gabriel Jesus, who now play for Barcelona.
The midfielder highlighted Rodri’s ability to control matches and maintain balance, describing him as a complete defensive midfielder.
Gundogan has nothing but praise for Rodri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“For me, Rodri has been the most perfect defensive midfielder in the world for years. In the 2026 World Cup he was the best player in the tournament and he made all the difference.
“Playing next to him was a real privilege because he gives the team so much structure and balance. He reads the game with everyone, wins the crucial 50-50 balls and controls the tempo.
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“He is the anchor of any team he plays for.”
In Gabriel Jesus Gundogan shows the Brazilian’s movement, instant technical quality and attributes that make him valuable beyond the tally goal.
“Gabi is a very good striker. He works tirelessly for the team, presses intelligently and makes plenty of free runs which creates space for others.
“On top of that, he has great technical ability and is strong in one-on-one situations inside the box. He brings excellent work ethic and a unique quality that can win tight matches.”
Finally, Gundogan refused to predict the exact outcome for Galatasaray’s meeting with Barcelona but identified the clubs he was leading as contenders for European glory.
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“I would never want to predict the exact results. What I hope is an intense, high-quality match where we will give everything to win.
“In the end, the Champions League is always difficult to predict, but teams such as Manchester City or Barcelona are always among the biggest favourites.
“Now, Barça are the strongest team in the world in my view.” he continued.