Ilkay Gundogan questions Barcelona’s response following El Clasico defeat as he claims his team-mates should have been ‘angrier’ after Jude Bellingham inspired Real Madrid comeback
Ilkay Gundogan has suggested his Barcelona teammates were not hurt enough in Saturday’s defeat to Real Madrid in the first Clásico of the season.
Gündogan put Barcelona ahead in the first half in Catalonia, before two goals from Jude Bellingham inspired a Real Madrid comeback.
The loss leaves Barcelona in third place in LaLiga, four points behind Madrid and Girona.
Xavi’s side had the better of much of the match, hitting the woodwork twice after Gundogan gave them a six-minute lead, but they now have work to do if they want to retain the league title they won last season .
The former Manchester City midfielder hinted that some of his teammates did not seem disappointed enough with the result.
Ilkay Gundogan wanted to see ‘more emotion’ from his Barcelona teammates after they were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid on Saturday
The former Manchester City midfielder had given the Catalan side an early lead in his first Clasico appearance
Gundogan said: “Of course people are disappointed, but after such a big match and such a result I wish there was more anger, frustration and disappointment.
‘There needs to be more emotion, especially when you lose.
“You know you can do better in certain situations and you don’t react, and that ultimately reflects on the field.”
Barcelona have now dropped points in three of their last five league matches after drawing against both Mallorca and Granada.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the second half to continue his exceptional start in the Spanish capital
Xavi’s side won the league title last season but are currently in third place this season, having also dropped points against Mallorca and Granada
They also started the season with a goalless draw at Getafe and Gündogan admitted that the team must improve to remain competitive.
“We have to take a big step, otherwise Real Madrid or Girona will walk away,” he said.
“I didn’t come here to lose these kinds of matches or to allow a gap to open (at the top of the table).”
However, an immediate return to form could be difficult as Barcelona’s next match comes against fifth-placed Real Sociedad.
