Cancelo: People doubted me when I arrived, said I was past my prime

This Thursday morning, Beijing time (CET+7), Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will usher in their second clash of the month. The two sides will start the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Camp Nou. Barcelona defender Cancelo attended the pre-match press conference on behalf of the team.

What are your expectations for this game?

Good afternoon, everyone. We think this game is like any other, Atletico Madrid have been like this for years: full of fighting spirit and very talented players. We must control the game like we did in the last game.

How do you personally feel?

I'm not sure if I've reached my best form, but as time goes by, plus training with these excellent teammates, it's normal to get better and better. I want to help the team achieve its goals, and we all performed well in the last game.

How likely are you to stay with the team next season?

Anything is possible. I won't give up, I must continue to work hard. I know what I want next season, I'm not going to say. The important thing is to help Barcelona achieve what it deserves, which is to advance in the Champions League and win the La Liga title. Where I go is not important.

Will there be any new things tactically? Can tomorrow's game directly determine the outcome?

This game is very important, and then we have to go to the Metropolitano Stadium to play a game, which is not easy. The ideal situation is of course to basically kill the suspense, but we must be prepared for all situations.

Is Flick changing your life?

I have the privilege of working with many excellent coaches, and he is one of them. Flick is a very nice person, gets along well with the players, and motivates the players' initiative. He makes this team more competitive, which is what makes him different from other coaches.

What do you think of Yamal?

Actually, there is not much to say, if he is not the most talented player in the world, he is at least in the top three. This question is a matter of opinion. It is my honor to work with him. He is the kind of player who can change the game. It is a good thing to have him on our side.

You are on loan, is there a chance for Barcelona to keep you?

There is always a chance. Currently I am a player for Al-Hilal, but there is always a chance. Let's see after the season. Football is changing rapidly. When I first came, people doubted me, saying that I was past my prime, but that's how football is. Now we don't need to discuss this topic anymore. I have been working hard, let's talk about it later.

Did you ever think you would reach this level so quickly?

Let me tell you, no one believes in myself more than I do. I am the one who believes in me the most. No one knows what I have experienced, only me and my family know. I have a lot of confidence in myself.

You said that Flick makes the team more competitive, what do you mean? Training, competition or defensive style?

The rhythm has changed, and we take a little risk when pressing. Flick brought high pressing, which was a bit difficult to adapt to, but we almost always control the game, but of course we also take a lot of risks.

You have also experienced Barcelona under Xavi. What do you think has changed after Flick came? Is this Barcelona stronger than before?

Everyone has their own advantages and disadvantages. I am very grateful to Xavi, because he is a coach who has helped me a lot. I used to watch him play a lot, and I liked him very much as a player. Hans (Flick) is different from Xavi, but it is not a question of who is better than whom. I think they are both excellent coaches. Maybe Hans is more experienced because he has been coaching for a longer time, but I think Xavi will also become a very good coach.

You have a good relationship with Gavi, what do you think of his condition after his return?

In my opinion, since the time I was injured, Gavi has been the soul of the team, both on and off the field. He is a very cheerful person and works very hard during training, which motivates all of us. He is a very special young man, broad-minded and different from others.

What impact does Rafinha's absence have on the team?

Rafinha is our leader, even if the game reaches the 90th minute, he will sprint at high speed to press the goalkeeper. I can't do it now, I'm old (laughs). His emotions are affected to some extent. He knows how important he is to us. We must be prepared and perform at our proper level, which is also for Rafinha. We are Barcelona, and everyone must be prepared.

What do you think is different about this Barcelona compared to the past? Do you dream of winning the championship?

Winning the Champions League is everyone's dream. The opponents are also very strong, and they have the same ambitions as us. We will do everything possible to advance, and the team is full of energy.

In the last game against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, Yamal looked very unhappy after the game. What do you think?

I saw it later, my brother sent me the video. I haven't talked to Yamal about this. I was so happy at the time that I couldn't run and didn't see that scene. I think the matter has been resolved. We need him tomorrow and he will perform well.