A member of the midfield ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has this weekend moved to reveal his admiration for the club’s arch rivals.
Real Madrid, of course, are fresh off sealing a domestic and European double a week ago.
After romping to the La Liga title, Carlo Ancelotti’s troops followed up with a 2-0 downing of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
As much has since given rise to widespread praise across the continent, as the ongoing dominance enjoyed by Real on the grandest stage in club football rolls on.
And, as alluded to above, this weekend, Los Blancos’ many public admirers have been added to by way of something of a surprise source.
The individual in question? İlkay Gündoğan.
Speaking to the media whilst on international duty, German international Gündoğan was drawn on recent comments laid out by Real Madrid standout Jude Bellingham:
“Jude talked about Ancelotti’s free style based on individual quality. Do you prefer that or sticking to a plan?”
And the Barcelona veteran went on to respond:
“I’m team Pep, which means sticking to a plan.”
It was upon being pressed specifically on Real Madrid’s ousting of Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, though, that Gündoğan afforded deserved credit to Ancelotti’s men:
“Football is a game of moments. City were more dominant against Real Madrid. But in the end, Madrid made the right decisions in crucial moments. What I like about Real Madrid is that they never panic, even when they are 1-0 down in the 85th minute. This is a strong mental quality that can defeat any good plan.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
