FC Barcelona continued with the same good form they had shown at the start of this season as they returned to action following the end of the September international break. The Catalans won against Getafe with a 3-0 scoreline, and now, [they will be facing the Turkish side Galatasaray](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/rodri-9-0-gordon-8-5-fc-barcelona-3-0-getafe-player-ratings/) in their next competitive fixture.
This upcoming UEFA Champions League game will be special for both the teams, as they will be looking to go far into the competition. However, it will particularly be a game to look forward to for one player in particular, i.e., the former Blaugrana midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who is currently playing for the Turkish side.
Ahead of this game, the German footballer appeared in an interview with [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261012/1004237322/guendogan-rodri-lee-juego-nadie-ancla-equipo.html), and talked about Barcelona and the upcoming match. Gundogan was looking forward to meeting and playing against several of his former teammates:
**“I’m not nervous, but it is definitely a very special feeling. Seeing so many familiar faces in the opposition team, players I shared a dressing room with and have great memories of, brings a lot of emotion. Once the whistle blows, I will be completely focused on the game. Before and after the match, it will be great to reconnect with good friends.”**
The midfielder was clear that the Catalan club is the favorite to win the UCL:
**“Barça are playing with a great deal of dominance and confidence at the moment. To compete against a team in that kind of form, you have to defend almost perfectly and be very brave on the ball. You cannot simply sit back and wait in your own box. You have to make the most of the few spaces they give you in transition, with great precision. Right now, Barcelona are the best team in Europe for me and the favourites to win the Champions League.”**
Gundogan also spoke highly of Hansi Flick and remembered his time with the German national team:
**“Hansi is an outstanding coach who knows exactly how to manage a team. He brings a very clear footballing philosophy while also creating a positive atmosphere. The fact that his ideas have worked so quickly at Barcelona shows how good he is.”**
**“He took charge of the German national team during a very difficult period. Even today, you can see how demanding that job is. Discipline and high standards are essential to Hansi because you cannot succeed at the highest level without them. But his real strength is his empathy. He demands total intensity and professionalism, but he is always humane, open and approachable. He creates an environment in which everyone feels valued and wants to give their best.”**
The former German international fondly remembered his time at Barcelona under Xavi:
**“I remember that year with great gratitude and pride. Wearing the shirt of such a historic club was a dream come true for me. Xavi was one of my great role models as a player, and learning from him as a coach was a great experience.**
**In fact, we built a very good, friendly relationship during that time, and we even went out for dinner with our families before he left the club. Xavi lives and breathes Barça football and worked very hard to help the club through a difficult transition. I really valued our time together.”**
While some of his statements criticizing his teammates raised some eyebrows, the former Manchester City star assured that he only had the best of the team in his mind:
**“Whenever I spoke publicly, it came from one place: my deep affection for the club and a strong desire to win. I always expect the highest standards of myself and try to encourage that same sense of responsibility in those around me. My words were never intended to be negative. They were always meant to help us grow as a team and meet the demands of a club like Barcelona.”**
Despite having trained with Yamal, Gundogan was astonished by the level shown by the young winger:
**“From his very first training session with us, it was clear that Lamine had incredible talent. But the maturity and consistency he shows on the world stage at such a young age are astonishing. He plays with a freedom that is rarely seen. It is a real joy to watch him play. I wish him nothing but the best, and the most important thing is that he stays healthy.”**
Meanwhile, he also spoke highly of two other La Masia graduates:
**“They are both great examples of the incredible work being done at La Masia. Pau Cubarsí reads the game very well and is incredibly composed on the ball for his age. Fermín brings great energy, a strong work rate and a goal threat from midfield. They both have enormous talent and the right mentality to play an important role for the club for many years.”**
The German highlighted what his former teammate, Rodri Hernandez, would bring to Barcelona:
**“For me, Rodri has been the most complete defensive midfielder in the world for years. At the 2026 World Cup, he was the best player in the tournament and made the difference. Playing alongside him was a real privilege because he gives the team so much structure and balance. He reads the game before anyone else, wins important duels and controls the tempo with his passing. He is the main anchor of any team he plays for.”**
Another of his former teammates who joined the Blaugrana club during the last summer was Gabriel Jesus, and Gundogan also spoke highly of him:
**“Gabi is a very good striker. He works tirelessly for the team, presses intelligently and makes a lot of selfless runs that create space for others. On top of that, he has great technical ability and is excellent in one-on-one situations inside the box. He combines a tremendous work ethic with individual quality that can win tight matches.”**
Eric Garcia was another of his former teammates who impressed Gundogan early in his career:
**“Yes, absolutely. Even at 19 or 20, Eric had the tactical maturity and calm presence of an experienced player. He talks a lot on the pitch, reads the game well from the back and never shies away from responsibility. His professionalism at City was top-class.”**
The midfielder reiterated his belief that Barcelona are currently the best team in the world to end his interview:
**“I never like to predict exact scores. What I expect is an intense, high-quality match in which we will give everything to win. As for the final, the Champions League is always difficult to predict, but teams with the quality of Manchester City or Barcelona are always among the main favourites. Right now, Barça are the strongest team in the world for me.”**
Hopefully, both Barcelona and Galatasaray will put on a good show for the spectators, and Ilkay Gundogan will be able to play a significant part in this game against his former club.