Gundogan has revealed Pep Guardiola is the key to defeating Barcelona in their Champions league showdown at Camp Nou. The former Barcelona manager has enjoyed huge success at the Spanish club winning 14 trophies in a 4 year spell between 2008 to 2012.
The German midfielder also believes that his current manager holds important knowledge about their opponents which can be a huge factor to determine the course of the play.
“It’s a big plus for us because he knows them,” the Germany international told reporters. “He knows the team, the club, the stadium and he knows Messi.”
“He also knows the Barcelona way, the Catalan way so he knows everything and he will give us some information that other managers can’t give.”
“This is important, definitely. He knows how they play, and how they will want to play. At the end, though, it’s down to our players to do that on the field and carry out what he wants us to do.” “I think this will be the biggest challenge, yes,” he added. “They will definitely be the best team we will have faced so far. I haven’t played against them before, but we all know that they have world-class players and maybe the world’s best player in Messi.”
“Away, it will be especially tough, a challenge, but I can say we are definitely not scared. We are curious and want to have this experience and want to play in this stadium against this team. It will not be a test, but exciting for us.”
“It’s about taking your chances, definitely, in the Champions League. The evening games, especially when you play away, you need to have this confidence, this flow and have the courage to play your own game. You can’t afford to make mistakes either because teams like this will punish you. But it’s an experience for us all.”
“After the game we will know where we are at this moment and maybe more than against the other opponents we have played so far. It’s a big challenge, but we are ready.”
Pep Guardiola has set a target of 6 points in the remaining 4 fixtures of the Champions league after a 3-3 draw with Celtic.