Germany supervisor Julian Nagelsmann has blamed Barcelona’s heavy use of Ilkay Gundogan for the midfielder’s underwhelming exhibiting in the course of the current worldwide break.
Regardless of clear success for the staff – Germany beat France 2-0 earlier than seeing off the Netherlands 2-1 – Gundogan has confronted criticism for 2 combined showings, together with his efficiency within the first recreation towards the reigning world champions of explicit concern.
Requested to elucidate Gundogan’s performances, Nagelsmann prompt the 33-year-old is battling fatigue from barely being rested by Barcelona.
“Ilkay was very self-critical towards France and talked about that he misplaced possession of the ball loads,” Nagelsmann mentioned. “Nonetheless, he dealt with the state of affairs excellently. [Against the Netherlands], he was rather more constant.
“Illy performs the complete 90 minutes in each recreation for Barcelona. He isn’t as contemporary, having performed many video games, which will also be an element.”
Gundogan has featured in all 42 video games for Barcelona this season throughout all competitions, with 36 of these outings coming as a starter.
In whole, Gundogan has performed 3,375 minutes at membership stage this yr, greater than another Barcelona participant. Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski are the one different gamers to see over 3,000 minutes so far.
Gundogan’s performances as Germany captain have confronted loads of scrutiny in current months, with German FA vice-president Ralph-Uwe Schaffert questioning whether or not he was even the identical participant that represents Barcelona.
“llkay Gundogan performs outstandingly for his membership after which performs in such a approach for the nationwide staff that one may assume: Has he despatched his much less proficient twin brother?” Schaffert mentioned final yr. “I do not perceive it!”
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