Inigo Martinez reveals Barcelona squad response to Ilkay Gundogan criticism
- Gundogan called out the Barcelona squad after they lost 2-1 to Real Madrid
- Summer signing's words have sparked a wave of controversy
- Martinez has played down the impact of his comments
By Tom Gott
Barcelona centre-back Inigo Martinez believes teammate Ilkay Gundogan did not mean for his recent criticism of the squad to create such controversy, insisting the players have no issue with what was said.
Xavi's side gave up a lead to fall 2-1 to Real Madrid last month, sparking a furious interview from Gundogan after the game in which the summer signing attacked the Barcelona squad's reaction to the defeat.
Gundogan demanded more passion and warned his side they were at risk of falling behind in the La Liga title race, and his comments have sparked a wave of controversy which has seen the midfielder's future in Catalonia called into question.
His partner Sara has already denied rumours Gundogan has been unimpressed by Barcelona's attempts to help in settle, before his agent was forced to come out and dismiss claims they were already discussing a transfer away.
To further diffuse the tension, Martinez has now insisted Gundogan was simply caught up in the emotion of his first Clasico.
"It was just after the game, in the heat of the moment, we had just lost against Real Madrid and when you are in the heat of the moment, you say things you don't mean," he told Sport. "Whenever you're like this, things usually don't come out well and often contribute little.
"We all knew what he wanted to say and none of us felt singled out. The next day, we talked about it. It was in the heat of the moment because you lose against Madrid and you say things that you don't really mean and you don't want to say.
"Everything is solved, there are good vibes. There is no problem between us."
Martinez also conceded Barcelona, who have lost two of their last five games but have come perilously close to losing plenty of other matches recently, need to improve if they are to retain their La Liga title.
"We are not in a sweet moment in terms of the games, but I have no doubt that we will turn it around and better times will come," he stressed.
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