OF HIS ILK
Ilkay Gundogan’s glam wife wades into row with Barcelona stars with cryptic barb about his ‘treble mentality’
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ILKAY GUNDOGAN’S glam wife has waded into his row with Barcelona teammates with a barb about her hubby’s “treble mentality.”
Gundogan, 32, was beside himself with anger as Barca were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
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The Spaniards were leading 4-2 on aggregate and cruising towards the semis when Ronald Araujo received a red card for a clumsy challenge.
PSG then mounted a stunning comeback to win 4-1 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate.
But Barcelona’s downfall left Gundogan furious at the final whistle.
Speaking afterwards, he blasted Araujo’s red card while also criticising Joao Cancelo for conceding a penalty and Robert Lewandowski for not attempting to block PSG’s second goal.
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Gundogan’s public criticism has reportedly seen a split emerge in Barcelona’s dressing room.
There has also been a backlash from fans, with some feeling the German’s words should have been kept private.
But Gundogan’s wife Sara, who is an actress and model, has now come to his defence.
The pair have married for two years after meeting in 2021 during his time at Manchester City.
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And she hit back at naysayers by insisting that Gundogan’s anger stems from his “treble mentality” after the midfielder played a key role in City’s historic three trophies last term.
Posting a picture of Gundogan celebrating his Champions League win in 2023, she said on social media: “This man is a working hard guy and his football opinions are about improving and he is giving everything to this team.
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“His mentality is a treble mentality.”
Gundogan’s post-match blast caught many by surprise.
Criticising Araujo’s red card, he said: “You know, in these kind of crucial moments you need to be sure to get the ball.
"If you don't, and again I don't know if he touched the ball or not, you need to stay away.
"I would prefer to concede a goal there or give the striker 1v1.
"Although, the ball was played quite far ahead so I don't even know if he would have reached the ball.
"But maybe let our goalkeeper save us or even concede a goal because to go a player down so early on just kills your game."
On Lewandowski not closing down Vitinha befor his goal, Gundogan continued: "Again, it's another mistake. We have to step out there.
"We can't let him shoot because he was so free.
"It wasn't anything we haven't trained before. The closest player to the ball has to step out. We were three with three and Vitinha was the fourth man.
"Someone has to step out. No one did or they did it too late.
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"It was a good shot and they got their second goal. But, it wasn't necessary at all. It's too late right now."
Finally, on Cancelo giving away a penalty, Gundogan added: “A decisive action, a crucial situation… and they will punish you.”
See more of Sara's glamorous life below
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