Dani Olmo rallied behind his coach and the Barcelona dressing room: "If we're at 100%, we're in control of our own destiny."
Dani Olmo reappeared against Elche a week and a half ago and played a great match in Vigo, having returned to Barça's starting eleven. The Terrassa native has no doubt that the Blaugrana's best form will return. In this preview of the interview he gave to Mundo Deportivo during the Spanish national team's training camp, as they close in on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, he expresses his complete confidence in Hansi Flick's philosophy.
Let's talk a little about Barça. After the victory at Celta Vigo, which was important, could it be a turning point for the team?
Yes, a very important victory at a difficult ground. I think the team played a great match. It was logical to go into the international break with three points.
Three points behind Real Madrid, who aren't exactly flying high either. How do you see it from Barcelona?
That's all. In the end, when we're at Barça, we focus on our own game. Now we're with the national team, on these two qualifying matches, and when we get back, we'll focus on Atlético Madrid and whatever comes next. We're confident that if we're fit and at 100%, our fate is in our own hands. That's what we think, both at Barça and with the national team.
It's also important to get players back. You're already back, Raphinha and Joan Garcia are still waiting, and Pedri is also injured...
Yes, they're players who contribute a lot both on and off the pitch. Getting them back into the swing of things helps. Joan and Rafa are doing well, hopefully Pedri will be back soon, and Gavi is also a player who helps us a lot.
Has anything changed in the locker room compared to last year? Because the coach, Flick, seems a bit more nervous, and perhaps there are more doubts from the outside.
No, not at all. Those are just perceptions from the outside. From the inside, we're all on the same page, with the same idea, the same philosophy, and the same desire to win.
Do you see the manager, Flick, as calm?
Yes, yes, he's fine.
You said you're maintaining Barça's philosophy. Do you think it's risky to keep playing like this, or is it more a matter of getting players back to full fitness?
I think the playing style we're committed to has been demonstrated, both last year and this year. Sometimes it might work better or worse, but it's clear, and we trust in it. There's no reason to change. In the end, it's worked out well for us.
Finally, we've seen one of your agents, Andy Bara, meeting with Deco several times. Is your future at Barça secure?
Yes, I'd say so. The fact that they meet doesn't mean they're always talking about me. Ultimately, it's their job too.