Ilkay Gündogan has offered high praise for departing Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, amid speculation linking the German coach with a move to succeed Xavi at Barcelona.
Barcelona recently confirmed Xavi’s departure at the end of the 2023–24 season, citing the club’s subpar performance compared to their previous season’s La Liga triumph.
Despite Barcelona’s recent improvement, with ten points from the last 12 available, they still lag behind bitter rival Real Madrid by eight points in the league standings.
Additionally, their hopes in the Copa del Rey were dashed following a crushing defeat at the hands of Athletic Club.
As speculation swirls regarding Xavi’s potential successor, several high-profile managers have been linked to the role. Tuchel, a former Champions League winner who is set to depart Bayern Munich in the summer due to similar underperformance, is among the frontrunners.
Gündogan, who previously collaborated with Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund for a year, expressed admiration for his former manager when questioned about him
Ilkay Gündogan has offered high praise for departing Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, amid speculation linking the German coach with a move to succeed Xavi at Barcelona.
Barcelona recently confirmed Xavi’s departure at the end of the 2023–24 season, citing the club’s subpar performance compared to their previous season’s La Liga triumph.
Despite Barcelona’s recent improvement, with ten points from the last 12 available, they still lag behind bitter rival Real Madrid by eight points in the league standings. Additionally, their hopes in the Copa del Rey were dashed following a crushing defeat at the hands of Athletic Club.
As speculation swirls regarding Xavi’s potential successor, several high-profile managers have been linked to the role. Tuchel, a former Champions League winner who is set to depart Bayern Munich in the summer due to similar underperformance, is among the frontrunners.
Gündogan, who previously collaborated with Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund for a year, expressed admiration for his former manager when questioned about him.
“I’m very surprised that Bayern are having difficulties now. With Thomas Tuchel, they have one of the best coaches in Europe,” Gundogan said.
“I can only say positive things about him from when we were at Dortmund. He’s outstanding tactically, extremely honest and open. Personally, I got along very well with him.”
Before his Bayern departure was officially announced, Tuchel openly flirted with the idea of taking over at Barcelona, referencing his openness to taking on another challenge abroad.
“Moving abroad would appeal to me again. Spain has an extraordinary league,” he admitted. “From my perspective, and based on my experience working with Spaniards, they are characterised by a tremendous amount of self-confidence.
“When you speak with Spanish players, I quickly get the sense that you are engaging with the person.”