Sergi Roberto reacts to talk of rift between Ilkay Gundogan and Ronald Araujo at Barcelona

Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto has tried to play down talk of a possible dressing room rift at the club ahead of El Clasico on Sunday.

There’s been talk of a problem between Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundogan after the defender didn’t take too kindly to the German’s post-match comments after defeat to PSG.

Roberto has been asked about the situation and insists all is well:

“Those statements have brought external noise but nothing in the locker room. We are very united. Gündogan explained what happened in the game, but without any intention of pointing fingers at anyone,” he told Movistar.

“Don’t look for problems where there aren’t any. This year, what has led us to give a good image in Europe away from home is the unity of the team. What has happened is not going to change anything. We are very prepared and looking forward to playing Sunday’s game.

“No meeting is necessary. In the end we are together all day in the locker room. We have talked about the external noise to clarify that there is no problem. We are a family. After an elimination in the Champions League, there will always be noise and more in a club like this, but Gündogan did not do it to point out anyone. We are very united and on Sunday, prepared to fight as if it were a final.”

Barcelona head to the Santiago Bernabeu hoping for a victory that will cut the gap to Madrid to just five points with just six left to play.