How have your first months at Dinamo Zagreb been?
“Really good, honestly. I’m playing almost every minute and enjoying football.”
How did your move to Dinamo Zagreb come about last summer? Could you have stayed at Barca?
“To be honest, I already knew I’d be leaving Barça, whether on loan or permanently. So I was open to options. They asked if I’d be interested in coming to Dinamo and it seemed like a good opportunity. Everything was sorted pretty quickly, in about four days we had it all closed.”
What did you find in Croatia, what’s the main difference you see?
“I’d say the intensity in duels. The players here aren’t as technically skilled as in Spain, but the intensity in challenges is higher and that’s something you have to adapt to.”
Dani Olmo also played at Dinamo. What is it about Croatian football that attracts young Spanish players?
“I think it’s a good league, a bit below the top leagues, but that actually gives young players the chance to get minutes and develop. It’s a great place for opportunities.”
Did Dani Olmo give you any advice before you joined Dinamo?
“Yes, I asked him, since he’s someone close who had already played here. He recommended coming, said it’s a good league to grow in and that the level is improving. He spoke very highly of the club and the league.”
Flick is the ideal coach for Barca
What was it like working with Hansi Flick last year?
“Really good, honestly. He’s a very approachable coach who helps you grow a lot. He’s always involved with his players. I always felt I could speak openly with him or any member of his staff. I have very fond memories of him.”
With Laporta’s election win, it looks like Flick will renew. Is he the ideal coach for the project?
“Yes, he already showed last season that he’s a great coach for Barcelona. It’s really good news that he’s staying and he can help the team a lot, which is still young.”
What’s it like training with players like Pedri, Raphinha or Lamine Yamal?
“When you’re part of it, you get used to it, but honestly, they do amazing things. I wasn’t that surprised by Lamine, since I knew him well, but they routinely pull off incredible things. That pushes you to work harder individually, to improve, so you can keep up with players and a team like that.”
Which player surprised you the most?
“I always say Frenkie (De Jong). Watching him train is incredible. He does everything well: attack, defense, shooting, both feet, passing… It amazed me to see such a complete player.”
Flick’s Barcelona, even this year, is known for comebacks. How did the squad experience those situations and how did Flick impose his personality?
“Maybe not so much at the start, but towards the end of the season we were sure that if we didn’t start well or were behind, we’d end up turning it around. There was that confidence. I was on the pitch in the last Clasico against Madrid, we started 0-2 down, and we knew we’d come back - and we did. The team could start really badly, but there was always that feeling and belief that we’d win every game, and we got a lot of victories that way.”
The dream debut with Barcelona
How do you remember your league debut in the 7-0 win over Valladolid?
“At first, you’re so overstimulated you don’t even think, I don’t remember what I felt at that moment, but afterwards the feeling was amazing. Imagine debuting for the best team in the world, your lifelong club, after so many years in the youth system. It was incredible.”
How did you experience your first start at La Cerámica, where you won 1-5?
“That day they told us the lineup after lunch, and I was really surprised. It wasn’t a game where I expected to start, not at all. At La Cerámica, against Villarreal, one of the toughest matches in La Liga. But once the game starts, you forget about everything and just want to play your game, no matter who’s in front of you. Honestly, it was a very good match.”
Many think you were written off after the defeat in Pamplona, do you think so?
“It was still very early in the season, so I don’t want to think that’s why I didn’t play more. I didn’t see it that way at the time either. Things didn’t go well, it was a tough loss. You never want to lose, especially with your lifelong team. But at that moment I didn’t dwell on it, I think it was still September, just look at how much of the season was left. You can’t give up. It was just about learning, keeping at it, and working hard.”
Football in Croatia and Zagreb
How did it feel to play Champions League in Serbia against Red Star, in one of the stadiums with the best atmosphere?
“It was my second Champions League match, after debuting in Monaco, but I remember it was really cold, and we were rotating to keep warm. ‘Cuba’ (Cubarsí) got that cut and I had to come on quickly.
“The stadium was amazing and the atmosphere was incredible. It was packed and everyone seemed to be standing, so it felt like there were even more people. I loved the atmosphere.”
I’m sure it’s no different in Croatia…
“No, not at all, the atmosphere here is just as good or even better. People in Croatia are really passionate, they sing and cheer a lot. And at Dinamo we have amazing fans who always give everything for the team. It’s a joy to play with the atmosphere we have every match in our stadium.”
There’s another Spaniard at Dinamo Zagreb, Raul Torrente. Has he been important for your integration into the team?
“No, but only for one reason. When I signed, he was recovering from a cruciate injury in Spain. He’d come by sometimes, but mostly he was in Spain getting better and only rejoined the team quite recently. But knowing him, I’m sure if he’d been here, he would have helped me without hesitation.”
What expectations are there in Croatia for their national team ahead of the World Cup? (they’re in a group with England, Ghana and Panama)
“It’s a team that finished second and third in the last two World Cups, so there are expectations to get through the group and see how far they go. It’s an important and strong team, but I prefer to focus on Spain and I believe we can do something big, we have a great squad. But yes, here they have faith in their team.”
Made in La Masia: the Barca DNA
You’re a product of Barca’s academy, what memories do you have of La Masia?
“Being part of Barça’s youth system, I have amazing memories. I loved it. I remember playing tournaments in lots of countries, like Dubai, and that’s not something most 12-year-olds get to do. I also have great memories of living at La Masia, because basically you’re living with your friends and playing football at 16. It was fantastic and I remember it fondly.”
What do they teach young players at La Masía?
“Football-wise, they teach us to interpret and understand the game, to read it, rather than just follow instructions. They give us the tools to know how the match is going and what to do without someone telling you from the sidelines. On a personal level, they teach you to be a good person, to work hard, to make the most of opportunities and always give your best, because you never know when your last game might be.”
Do you see Barca capable of winning the Champions League this season?
“Yes, absolutely. I know most of the players well and I know what they’re capable of, so I’m sure this is a team that can beat anyone and win the Champions League, and of course LaLiga as well.”
Do you think your former teammates, like Marc Bernal or Marc Casado, can establish themselves in the first team?
“Yes, of course. They’re quality players and have shown they can play and contribute a lot to the team. Plus, Bernal has started several games recently and performed really well, being important. I think Marc Bernal can be a key player for Barça now and in the future.”
Which current Barca player are you closest to?
“From the current squad, Marc Bernal, actually. I know him quite well and we message each other often.”
What personal and team goals do you have for the rest of the year?
“Personally, I hope to keep getting minutes like I have so far, since I’m playing almost all of them, and keep enjoying football. I’m really happy with how this season is going for me. As for the team, our goal is to win the league and I hope we achieve it. We also want to win the cup, obviously, but the main target is the league.”
Do you see a return to Barca as possible in the future?
“Honestly, I see it as difficult. The dream is there and of course I’d love it. It’s my club, my team, and my dream has always been to succeed there, but right now it seems complicated. As I said, I’m also very happy where I am now.”