Galatasaray midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has described Barcelona as the strongest team in world football ahead of their Champions League meeting , while reflecting on his season at the Catalan club and the people who influenced his experience there.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo , the former Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund midfielder discussed Hansi Flick's impact, Xavi's influence, the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the qualities of several players he knows well.
Gundogan, who represented Barça during the 2023/24 campaign, also explained what makes Barcelona so difficult to face and why he believes they can win the Champions League.
His comments come ahead of an emotionally significant reunion with former teammates, although the German insists his focus will shift entirely to the match once the referee blows the whistle.
Gundogan admitted that facing Barcelona would bring back strong memories, but he is determined to compete when Galatasaray meet the Blaugrana in Europe.
Asked whether he was nervous about facing his former teammates, Gundogan explained the personal significance of the occasion.
Gundogan will come up against his former Barcelona teammates. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
"I'm not nervous, but it's definitely a very special feeling. Seeing so many familiar faces in the opposition team – players I shared a changing room with and have great memories of – is very moving.
"Once the whistle blows, I'll be completely focused on the game. Before and after the match, it'll be great to catch up with some good friends,"he began.
Barcelona have started the season impressively , and Gundogan believes opponents must be brave rather than simply defend deep if they want to challenge Flick's side.
"Barça are playing with great dominance and confidence at the moment. To compete against a team in such fine form, you have to defend almost perfectly and be very brave on the ball.
"You can't just sit back and wait in your own box. You have to make the most of the few spaces they allow you in transitions with great precision.
"Right now, for me, Barcelona are the best team in Europe and the clear favourites to win the Champions League."
The midfielder also praised Flick's ability to establish his ideas quickly, pointing to the German's tactical clarity and man-management as key factors behind Barcelona's progress.
"Hansi is an outstanding manager who knows exactly how to manage a team. He brings a very clear footballing philosophy and, at the same time, creates a positive atmosphere.
"The fact that his ideas have worked so quickly at Barcelona shows just how good he is."
Gundogan's only season at Barcelona came under Xavi, a former midfielder he admired long before working with him.
Despite the campaign ending without a trophy, the German retains positive memories of their relationship and the experience of representing the club.
"I look back on 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 manager was a wonderful experience.
"In fact, we built a very good and friendly relationship during that time, and we even went out for dinner with our families before he left the club.
Gundogan has looked back at his time at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
"Xavi lives and breathes Barça football and worked very hard to help the club through a difficult transition. I really valued our time together,"he noted.
Asked why Barcelona failed to win a trophy in 2023/24, Gundogan pointed towards injuries and fine margins rather than a lack of talent.
"At the highest level, football comes down to the small details.
"We were unlucky with key injuries at crucial moments, and in decisive Champions League matches or in El Clasico, we simply lacked that little bit of luck or quality in front of goal.
"The quality in the squad was definitely there."
The midfielder also highlighted the development of Barcelona's young players, having witnessed Yamal's breakthrough at close quarters.
While the teenager's talent was apparent early, Gundogan has been particularly impressed by his maturity.
"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 is astonishing.
"He plays with a natural ease that is rarely seen. It's a real joy to watch him play. I wish him nothing but the best, and most importantly, I hope he stays fit."
Gundogan also praised the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez, two academy graduates who established themselves in the first team during Xavi's tenure.
"Both are great examples of the incredible work being done at La Masia. Pau Cubarsi reads the game very well and is incredibly composed on the ball for his age.
"Fermin brings great energy, work rate and a threat in front of goal from midfield. Both have enormous talent and the right mindset to play an important role for the club for many years to come."
Gundogan also discussed former Manchester City teammates Rodri and Gabriel Jesus, who now play for Barcelona.
The midfielder highlighted Rodri's ability to control matches and provide balance, describing him as a complete defensive midfielder.
Gundogan has nothing but praise for Rodri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
"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 all 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 crucial 50-50 balls and controls the tempo with his passing.
"He is the main anchor of any team he plays for."
On Gabriel Jesus, Gundogan pointed to the Brazilian's movement, pressing and technical quality as attributes that make him valuable beyond his goal tally.
"Gabi is a very good striker. He works tirelessly for the team, presses intelligently and makes plenty of selfless runs that create space for others.
"On top of that, he has great technical ability and is strong in one-on-one situations inside the box. He brings an excellent blend of hard work and individual quality that can win tight matches."
Finally, Gundogan refused to predict an exact score for Galatasaray's meeting with Barcelona but identified the clubs he considers leading contenders for European glory.
"I never like to predict exact scores. What I'm hoping for is an intense, high-quality match where we'll give it our all to win.
"As for the final, the Champions League is always difficult to predict, but teams of the calibre of Manchester City or Barcelona are always among the main favourites.
"Right now, Barça are the strongest team in the world in my view,"he concluded.
