Barcelona midfielder calls Real Madrid the ‘most successful team in the last decade’ | OneFootball

Ilkay Gundogan has played a key role in Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign so far and as Die Mannschaft gear up for a Round of 16 encounter against Denmark, the Barcelona midfielder was asked a critical question about mentality.

Gundogan was particularly about potentially playing against tougher opponents such as Spain, France and Portugal.

Gundogan praises Real Madrid’s mentality

While issuing his response, Gundogan mentioned Real Madrid and how the European Champions mentally approach games.

“First of all, we now have to deal with the situation that every 90 minutes could be the last. That is a lot of pressure, and mentality will play a big role,” he said during the interview with FAZ.

“If you look at Real Madrid, the most successful team in the last decade and even longer, how they never felt afraid and always kept their calm, this is amazing,” the midfielder added.

Gundogan has gotten in trouble for his brutally honest statements in the past. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Regarded as one of the most important players in the German team, Gundogan is a seasoned veteran, who won absolutely everything during his time at Manchester City.

Currently plying his trade for Barcelona, Gundogan has not been shy in either praising the opponents or criticising his own team.

Gundogan’s lucid statements, though, have created controversy in Barcelona as not everyone has agreed with his clear assessment of his team’s deficiencies.

Nevertheless, adding to his assessment of how to navigate the challenge of a big opponent, Gundogan further stated, “You also have to recognise when the momentum is on your side and when you really have to punish your opponent. Otherwise, you will quickly be punished yourself.“

In the meantime, Gundogan will be focusing on Germany’s upcoming game on Saturday against Denmark, where he will notably take on his Barcelona teammate Andreas Christensen.