"The most succesful club of the last decade" - Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan makes honest Real Madrid admission
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has lauded Real Madrid's winning mentality while honestly assessing the La Liga champions. Los Blancos dethroned his Blaugrana side last season to win their record-extending 36th title.
Gundogan alluded to Madrid's success and how they always stay focused in desperate situations. The Germany captain said (vis Madrid Xtra):
"If you look at Real Madrid, the most successful club of the last decade or even longer, the way they never panicked and always kept their cool is remarkable."
Real Madrid won the La Liga title, the UEFA Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana. Carlo Ancelotti's men beat Manchester City and Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final. Los Merengues beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final at Wembley (June 1) to clinch a record-extending 15th European title.
Gundogan, 33, joined a Barcelona side last summer who have endured a topsy-turvy period in the past few years. They hadn't won the La Liga title since 2019 until they reigned supreme in 2023.
However, Barca were unable to successfully defend their La Liga crown against their ruthless El Clasico rivals. Madrid finished 10 points clear of the Catalans at the top of the table.
Gundogan hopes Germany will display a similar winning mentality amid their Euro 2024 campaign. His side are through to the last 16 (vs Denmark on June 29) on home soil and have impressed.
"Zero fear" - Gundogan's teammate Fermin Lopez insists Barcelona aren't scared of Real Madrid duo
Barcelona's mission to reclaim the La Liga title looks a difficult one as Real Madrid have pulled off the biggest transfer of the summer. Kylian Mbappe has finally secured a dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu, signing a five-year deal.
Mbappe, 25, is considered one of, if not the greatest attackers in European football. The France captain registered 44 goals and 10 assists in 48 games across competitions.
PSG's all-time top scorer joins Vinicius Junior at Madrid, and the Brazilian forward is tipped to win the Ballon d'Or later this year. He posted 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competition last season.
Despite this, Fermin Lopez was adamant Barcelona don't fear the two Los Blancos superstars. The young Spanish attacker said (via Sport):
"Mbappe? There is zero fear of Mbappe in Barcelona. Not afraid of Vinicius, either."
Barca have their fair share of exciting talents gelling with experienced heads like Gundogan, 33, and Robert Lewandowski, 35. Lopez, 21, is one of them, having flourished last season as a prominent member of the Catalans' senior team. He managed 11 goals and one assist in 42 games across competitions.