Ilkay Gündogan scored a goal, provided two assists and was the MVP of the Germany-Hungary match. The logical result, for once, favours the quarter-final clash that was expected: Germany-Spain. A duel of the calibre of a final. These are the two countries with the most Euro titles, with three each. The German captain, a Barça player, will meet many familiar faces again.
Does Germany feel as strong, as confident and as recovered as it seems?
Yes, we feel strong because we have been able to respond to moments of adversity like the one we had against Denmark and we have the support of our fans, which is giving us extra confidence. The duel with Spain will be a very demanding match. We are talking about two of the three or four best teams in this tournament. There is enormous mutual respect between Germany and Spain, two teams with enormous qualities and for us that is an extra motivation.
Has the moment of maximum pressure already passed or is it about to arrive?
As an elite footballer, you live under pressure in every game you play. There is no more or less pressure depending on the opponent you face. Every step in this Euro has been very demanding and we are the ones who put the maximum pressure on ourselves in every game.
“As an elite footballer, you live under pressure in every game you play. There is no more or less pressure depending on the opponent you have in front of you”
Ilkay Gundogan jumps over Denmark’s Rasmus Hojlund in the round of 16 match. / La Presse / AP
Do you feel that the attacking midfielder position is the one you like the most and benefits you the most or what is it?
It’s not a question of whether I perform better or not in a certain position. At Barça I have played in different positions depending on the circumstances that have arisen throughout the season. With Germany I play in the attacking midfield position. But I am a player who knows how to adapt to circumstances and I play where I am asked.
Is there any added excitement in facing former Barça teammates?
It may be special to see each other in the tunnel before the game, with all due respect for that moment, but from the opening whistle we will be rivals and we will all want the best for our teams.
Gündogan and Lamine Yamal in a Barça match. / Javi Ferrándiz
“I’ve often been asked if I’ve helped Lamine Yamal learn things, but sometimes I feel like I’m the one learning from him, from his easy-going way of playing in high-demand matches.”
What do you think of Lamine Yamal’s performance on a stage like the Euro?
I’m not surprised. He’s probably one of the most talented young players in Europe. But he’s 16 and still has room to learn. It’s also important that they protect him from the pressure that’s building up around him. I’ve really enjoyed this season with Lamine Yamal. I’ve often been asked if I’ve helped him learn things, but sometimes I feel like I’m the one learning from him, from his easy-going way of playing in high-demand games. I wish I could have been like that at his age!
2024-07-04 14:31:19
#Gündogan #Lamine #Yamal #age
