Coach Xavi was pleased with Rookie Ilkay Gndgan’s quick integration into the team after more than a month of joining Barca.

The team’s foundation is Gndgan, according to coach Xavi. “His DNA is Barca’s. He is in constant control, makes a difference, and always chooses wisely. We engaged Gndgan to effect change.

Xavi claimed that Barcelona’s last few plays lacked depth and final passes. He and the players have now fixed this issue, though. The Spaniard said, “With Gndgan, Pedri, Gavi, Fermin, and Oril Rme, it’s different.

After getting off to a scoreless draw in the La Liga opener against Getafe, Barca found victory in the second round of play against Cadiz on August 20. With a touch of the ball into the penalty area in the 82nd minute, Gndgan was the one who set Pedri up to score. The defending La Liga champion secured the victory in the 90+4 minute with a goal from Ferran Torres after calming his nerves.

Gandgan joined Barca on a free form at the start of January. The 32-year-old midfielder then decided to renew his contract with Man City. According to Gandgan, he has wanted to join Barca since he was a young boy.

Gndgan played a key role in the English team’s treble-winning journey last season. The 32-year-old midfielder scored both goals as his team defeated Man Utd 2-1 in the FA Cup final. In total, he played 304 games, scored 60 goals, won five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, two Soccer League Cups, and a Champions League with Manchester City.

Barca is still dealing with the financial issues left behind from the administration of former president Jsep Bartmeu this summer. They have spent $3.8 million to purchase Rmeu, a defensive midfielder. Inig Martinez and Gundgan are both free to join. Barca sold Ousmane Dembele, Franck Kessie, Nic González, and Alex Cllad for $80 million at the same time. The reigning La Liga champions will soon have the option to purchase right back Ja Cancel from Man City.

With four points after two rounds of La Liga 2023–2024, Barcelona is ranked sixth. With the same six points, Real Madrid, Ray Vallecan, and Valencia are occupying the first three spots. Real Madrid came in second place last season, 10 points behind Barcelona.