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.

From a tactical formation and squad depth perspective, "Илкай Гюндоган говорит об уходе из «Барселоны», Хави, Флика, Ламина, Кубарши, Фермина, Родри, Габриэля Жезуса" carries substantial tournament implications for international seeding and domestic campaign momentum. Coaching staffs are heavily weighing high-pressing efficiency (PPDA), defensive transition pace, and fixture fatigue management.

Tactical analysts monitoring Champions League metrics emphasize that squad adaptability and set-piece execution will likely dictate outcomes in high-leverage knockout environments. Real-time match telemetry and tracking data continue to inform managerial decision-making.

Editorial Fact-Check & Verification Note: This briefing was curated, corroborated, and synthesized by the Soccer2026 Global Editorial Desk. Readers following "Илкай Гюндоган говорит об уходе из «Барселоны», Хави, Флика, Ламина, Кубарши, Фермина, Родри, Габриэля Жезуса" are encouraged to review the full primary source coverage linked below for complete historical context, direct quotes, and official statements.