Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez discussed the perceived friction between Ilkay Gundogan and Araujo stemming from post-game comments from the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona head coach Xavi has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding İlkay Gündoğan's comments about teammate Ronald Araújo following Barcelona's Champions League exit.
Gündoğan's remarks sparked a heated debate after he seemingly criticised Araújo for his costly dismissal during the match against Paris Saint-Germain.
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What happened
Gündoğan's comments, made in the aftermath of Barcelona's defeat, caused a stir as he appeared to question Araújo's decision-making, stating, "In these kind of crucial moments, you need to be sure to get the ball and if you can’t get it — again, I’m not sure if he got the ball or not — you have to stay away. “
“I (would) prefer to concede the goal there or give the striker a one-on-one: give him the opportunity, let our goalkeeper save us or even concede a goal, because to be one man down with a red card so early in the game, it kills you."
Araújo responded to Gündoğan's comments, expressing his displeasure and stating, "I’d rather keep for myself what I really think. I have my own codes and values that I think you need to respect."
Xavi's Reaction
Ahead of Barcelona's crucial Clásico showdown with Real Madrid, Xavi addressed the controversy, asserting that the issue has been resolved.
Xavi stated, per GFNS, "Everything is solved. There is no more problem. By talking, people understand each other. When there is no bad intention, there is no problem and that’s how everything has been. Everything is settled."
Xavi's assurance indicates that the incident has been resolved internally, putting to rest any concerns of unrest within the Barcelona camp ahead of their pivotal match against Real Madrid.
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