Barcelona's Ilkay Gundogan calls for urgent attitude adjustment after El Clasico heartbreak

Rob Fleming
30 October 2023

In a El Clasico showdown, FC Barcelona found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against arch-rivals Real Madrid, and the aftermath of this gut-wrenching defeat continues to reverberate.

The La Liga clash at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium showcased a Barcelona side that, for the most part, held the upper hand, but two flashes of brilliance, sprinkled with a bit of luck, from Real Madrid's newest sensation, Jude Bellingham, tilted the scales in favour of the visiting team. While the Catalan giants certainly showcased flashes of brilliance themselves, they couldn't ward off the determined Madrid outfit.

Yet, it's not just bad luck that Barcelona must blame for their misfortune. The match revealed some avoidable errors, shining a harsh light on the team's need for improvement in the pursuit of La Liga glory.

Amid the chorus of disappointment echoing through the Barcelona camp, Ilkay Gundogan, the sole scorer for the Blaugrana in the showdown, has emerged as a voice of reason. Speaking candidly in the mixed zone after the game, as reported by SPORT, the former Manchester City maestro shared his thoughts:

"To be candid, without crossing any lines, I don't want to overstep. I've just come from the dressing room, and it's evident the players are crestfallen. However, after such a crucial match and an undesired result, I'd expect to witness more anger and frustration."

Gundogan honed in on an issue with the players' demeanour, lamenting their failure to exhibit the requisite fighting spirit:

"This is part of the problem. Losing should stir emotions. Especially when you know you're capable of performing better and seizing opportunities."

The German midfielder's disappointment was palpable, yet he didn't shirk from taking responsibility for preventing such lapses in the future:

"I didn't come here to lose these kinds of matches or let such vulnerabilities surface. As a seasoned player, I also bear a responsibility to prevent these situations."

Gundogan's early goal in the first half had given the Barcelona faithful hope, but the team couldn't capitalize on later chances, ultimately surrendering the contest.

In a cautionary tone, Gundogan forewarned that Barcelona's grip on the La Liga title could slip away if immediate improvements aren't realized:

"Without a response, these issues permeate onto the pitch. We need a significant shift in this regard because otherwise, Real Madrid and even Girona could slip through our grasp."

The onus is now on the team to muster a response when they face Real Sociedad, and veterans like Gundogan will play a pivotal role in kindling the required fire within the squad.

As it stands, the La Liga table is topped by Real Madrid with 28 points, narrowly edging Girona on goal difference. Atletico Madrid sit in third place with 25 points, while Barcelona reside in fourth with 24 points.