Barcelona's Gundogan criticizes teammates after PSG collapse

Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan criticized teammate Ronald Araujo after his dismissal in Tuesday’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Uruguayan defender received a red card as PSG won 4-1 at Barca to clinch a spot in the semifinals.

Gundogan spoke to CBS after the match: “I’m disappointed. Very disappointed actually as we were in such a good position.

“Not just after the first leg, but after the first goal we scored. Everything was in our hands, and we just gave it away in the most simple of manners.

“We just gave it to Paris Saint-Germain and that’s the most disappointing part.”

The Germany international continued: “If he [Araujo] fouled him [Bradley Barcola], I guess it’s a red card. I haven’t seen the replay, I don’t know. You guys probably know better than me.

“It’s difficult to say. You know, in these kinds of crucial moments you need to be sure to get the ball.

“If you don’t [whether you’re going to get the ball], 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.”

Asked about Vitinha’s goal, he added: “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. It was a good shot and they got their second goal. But, it wasn’t necessary at all. It’s too late right now.”

Barcelona will hope to put this disappointment behind them as they prepare to face arch rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).