Barcelona defender shuts down talks of dressing room turbulence – ‘The matter is closed’

Ilkay Gundogan’s comments after Barcelona’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League were honest and unfiltered, as has always been the case with the German veteran.

Admitting that the team had thrown away a golden chance to progress to the final four, his comment appeared to raise a finger towards Ronald Araujo, holding him responsible for the defeat.

His words prompted a response from the Uruguayan defender who did not back away from hitting back on his teammate.

News of division in the dressing room soon took over in the media, with Gundogan now looking to diffuse the situation.

Speaking to DAZN, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde provided an insider’s update on the situation in the dressing room, confirming that there was no division.

“The dressing room is quiet. We talked among ourselves, which is always the most important thing, and the matter is closed.”

Kounde refutes talks of locker room rift. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

He then gave his two cents on the Gundogan-Araujo altercation, insisting that all that mattered at this point was the team’s confidence moving forward.

“I think Ilkay did not want to cause any harm and I think Ronald understood that after they talked so the topic was closed. We will all be pulling in the same direction, as we have always done this year, both in defeats and in victories.”

Finally, the Frenchman spoke about the team’s morale ahead of the upcoming El Clasico and urged the team to come out with all guns blazing.

“The dressing room has the desire and nothing will be lacking because, as I said, we have one last chance to get back into the league.”

With El Clasico scheduled in just over 48 hours, Barcelona do not have long to recover from the heart-breaking defeat midweek.

Togetherness, at this juncture, is invaluable and Xavi must look to maintain the camaraderie.