'Has he sent his less talented twin brother?' - Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan blasted for Germany performances

Gundogan, who arrived at Barcelona in the summer, has been an integral figure for the Blaugrana, participating in all 24 matches played in La Liga and the Champions League under manager Xavi. However, his form for Germany has led Schaffert to criticise his contrasting performances between his club and national team. The FA official believes that Gundogan plays exceptionally well for Barcelona but his form dips significantly when he turns up for Die Mannschaft.

Speaking to Hannoversche Allgemeine, Schaffert said: "Gundogan strangely plays outstandingly for the club and then plays in such a way for the national team that one can come to think: Has he sent his twin brother, with less talent? I don't understand it."

The German team has been going through a lean patch of form since the 2022 World Cup where they were ousted in the group stages. The DFB replaced Hansi Flick with Julian Nagelsmann at the helm of affairs but their fortunes have not turned around as they remain winless in their last three international fixtures including defeats to Turkey and Austria.

The recent results led Schaffert to express doubts about Germany's prospects in the upcoming European Championship, citing a significant disparity between potential, aspirations, expectations, and reality. He attributed the team's struggles not solely to the coach but pointed to a broader issue of attitude and commitment among the players.

"I have many doubts regarding next year's European Championship," he said. "In terms of potential, we can go far. But aspirations, expectations and reality are so far apart at the moment that it is absolutely inexplicable to me. I don't think it is due to the coach. I have the feeling that quite a few of the players who are currently on the pitch believe that they can go out on the field with maybe 85% of their possible commitment, and then you have to discover that this is no longer enough against Turkey and Austria.

"I don't even want to imagine what will happen if we play against France or England with this attitude. Maybe we will no longer need only those who are very talented, but also those who are willing to roll up their sleeves. The best example of how to do this was given by our under-17 when they won the World Cup."

Gundogan will get an opportunity to prove his critics wrong when Germany face France and the Netherlands in two friendlies during the next international break in March. In the short term, he will return to action with Barcelona on January 4 against Las Palmas.