Xavi Hernandez responded to the scathing statements made by Ilkay Gundogan after Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico last week. The German midfielder criticized his teammates and asked them to show more sadness and anger after the defeat.
In the preparatory conference to face Real Sociedad in the 12th round of the Spanish League tomorrow, Saturday, Xavi was repeatedly asked about the statements made by Gundogan.
Xavi said: “We all agreed on what Gundogan said. We talked about it in the dressing room and that was it. We did not give it more importance. We all think the same way, we are in Barcelona and no one has to tell us what the demand is here. “Demand and excellence… There was no controversy in the locker room. He wanted to clarify the matter and that’s it.”
He added: “He expressed his anger, without further ado. Everyone does it in their own way. It is a special culture. We remember the day when Muller, Bayern’s captain, also came out to criticize his team. this is normal”.
He concluded: “Criticism bothers me? I’m glad, happy. I’m not angry at all. I think we are on the right track. During the season there are missteps in which things do not go as expected, or they go at the level of play and not at the level of results. These are challenges that must be managed. I see that the team is ready to change the situation, we are only four points behind. “I’m not annoyed with him and even less, I love him very much.”
Source: Sport