Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan recently took the opportunity to delve deeper into his thoughts regarding teammate Ronald Araujo during an interview conducted while on international duty. Previously, Gundogan’s remarks about Araujo in the aftermath of the team’s Champions League exit had stirred up controversy, but he has since taken steps to clarify his position.
In this latest interview, Gundogan made it clear that his critique was not solely directed at Araujo but encompassed the team as a whole. He emphasized, “When I spoke, it was about our collective performance, not just about Ronald. If you examine the entirety of my remarks, you’ll see that I acknowledge my own shortcomings as well. Acknowledging and learning from mistakes is fundamental to achieving success,” as conveyed to Der Spiegel.
Furthermore, Gundogan delved into the pivotal role that a coach plays in determining a team’s success. He estimated that a coach’s influence accounts for a significant portion, ranging between 70 to 80%, elucidating, “Coaches craft the overarching framework that their team adheres to. A truly exceptional coach can elevate a team’s performance and amplify an individual player’s capabilities. For instance, at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso played a pivotal role in transforming Grimaldo into a standout player. Prior to that season, he largely flew under the radar.”
Throughout this season, Gundogan has demonstrated a willingness to express his opinions candidly. Following Barcelona’s loss to Real Madrid in the Clasico, he voiced his disappointment, expressing a desire for his teammates to display more visible signs of frustration and disappointment in response to defeat.
Gundogan’s comments serve to underscore the significance of accountability and the impact of effective leadership within a team setting. His perspective on coaching highlights the transformative potential inherent in strong managerial guidance, drawing upon examples from other teams to bolster his argument.
As Barcelona grapples with the trials and tribulations of the season, Gundogan’s insights and counsel could prove instrumental in cultivating a culture of introspection and continual improvement within the squad.
