Olmo talks Pedri, Lamine, Luis Enrique, Julian Alvarez, World Cup: ‘The time has come’

Olmo talks Pedri, Lamine, Luis Enrique, Julian Alvarez, World Cup: ‘The time has come’ Barcelona star Dani Olmo did not start Spain’s first game in the World Cup – a game that the team eventually struggled in and ended in a draw. For the second clash against Saudi Arabia , Luis de la Fuente brought the attacking midfielder into his starting lineup, and the difference in attacking potency was clear. Olmo enjoyed a great game against Saudi Arabia and was a key member of the transition and midfield dominance. Going forward in the World Cup, his importance only appears set to increase. Olmo speaks about how he has built his career The Barcelona midfielder opened in a recent interview where he was asked in detail about his beginnings in football and how he has endured a difficult journey to the top. First, he was asked about how he felt when he first left Barcelona to play abroad at the age of 16 and how he is said to have cried out to his agent on that day. “I don’t know if I cried or not (laughs), but it was certainly tough. Leaving at sixteen years old for a new country and a new club is no easy thing.” “I’ve gained experience with age, but I think I’m still that same kid, with the same dreams and the same ambition and the same desire to play and win titles,” he added. Commenting on what has changed around him over the years to bring him closer to his dreams, Olmo said, “Now I have the luck of playing for a club that competes for everything and for a national team as well. I’m still the same person, maybe a little better (laughs) and more experienced.” Important for club and country. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) He was then asked if he saw himself to be at his peak in the present moment, to which he modestly said,  “I don’t think I’m at the peak because a person can always improve. It wasn’t easy.” “When I left Barcelona at sixteen, my dream was to return one day. That dream came true thanks to hard work and great effort. It was never easy,” he added. “But now that I’ve returned, I don’t see the circle as closed; instead, I see a new circle beginning,” he concluded on the topic. On his playing style The Barcelona player then opened up on his tactical acumen and how he works on his understanding of the game. “When I’m off the field, I try to read the open spaces, especially those where I can position myself or attack when we have possession of the ball.” “I also watch how the team drops back and defends. I try to follow everything. This is something I trained on a lot with my father and brother since I was young,” he added. The player then opened up on the various managers he has worked with in the national team and how they have moulded his game. “And among the coaches who have influenced me the most tactically is Luis Enrique, as I sometimes played with him on the wing but with the freedom to move into the depth within the triangle I formed with Pedri and Jordi Alba.” “As for now with Luis de la Fuente, I play more in depth, and he gives me the freedom I need to show the best of what I have,” he added. The player then recollected how he and Pedri faced a difficult period after the Euros and Olympics in 2021 in terms of fitness. “It was a tough year. A long time has passed since then, but it’s an unforgettable year.” “We suffered injuries that kept us from doing what we love, but they were lessons that made us understand our bodies better,” he added. Olmo enjoys playing with Pedri. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Speaking particularly on playing alongside Pedri, the player said, “Playing with Pedri is very easy. It’s true that we haven’t had much time together with the national team in recent years, but the last match showed that we’re perfectly in sync. And we’ve proven that in Barcelona too.” On him staying grounded The player was then reminded how fans related him as a grounded player, especially for how he naturally celebrated the title with Barcelona riding a bike in the city. “This is how I consider myself. It happened spontaneously. I was with Inigo and Pedri and Eric, while Ferran couldn’t attend to celebrate the league title. We wanted to go see him, so we rented bikes because the streets were full.” “It was a very natural moment. We are ordinary people. I love doing everyday things like having coffee or going out for a walk,” he added. When asked if he would love to do the same after potentially winning the World Cup, he said. “I wish for that, I really do. I see myself there. And I’ll definitely motivate my teammates.” On Barcelona and Lamine Yamal Olmo was then reminded of the queer period after he joined Barcelona when his registration was under serious doubt. “They were strange and difficult moments because of the state of uncertainty.” “I had complete confidence that the club would find a solution, and that’s exactly what happened. I never doubted it, but there was always a question: When would it be resolved? And yet, I was very confident in Barcelona,” he added. He then opened up on Lamine Yamal and his connection with the winger both for club and country. “We don’t talk much about that. We sometimes talk about certain shots or match details. But we understand each other just through looks.” “I’ve played with him a lot and I know what he likes and what motivates him. Not just individual one-on-one situations, but even one against two,” he added. “So I try to give him the right space, and sometimes I get closer to play a quick one-two with him or give him an extra option. I always try to support him,” he concluded. Lamine may be Barça’s No. 10 but Olmo wears No. 10 for Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) When asked if he joked around with Yamal over having Spain’s number 10 shirt, Olmo said, “Actually, he didn’t ask me for it at all. And I think I deserved this number too. I like it and I played with it in the Euros that we won. I see no reason to change it.” He did, however, back Yamal as one of the greatest talents and best players on the planet. “Lamine is world-class. He proves that in training and in matches when he steps onto the pitch. You might include him in this group or not, but for me, there’s no doubt.” The player was then asked to comment on Barcelona target Julian Alvarez and what he made of the Atletico Madrid star. “A very excellent player. World champion. He has great quality and works hard. He is a world-class player.” On winning titles Finally, Olmo was asked what winning titles mean to him, to which he did not hold back. “Winning titles with Barcelona and the national team. We’re a winning team that’s gone through tough experiences that helped us evolve and win the Nations League and the Euros. We’re ready for anything.” When asked if it was time for Spain to conquer the World Cup again, he said, “Yes. It can be said that the time has come to earn the second star.” “We have the quality we show on the pitch, and we also have the human quality. It’s an opportunity in front of us. We know we can rely on ourselves because we have the potential to go far and win,” he added. Source:  AS