How important is this competition?
It will be difficult to be in a single tie. He will be a motivated opponent, we have analyzed him and they are good. The field tightens. They are a good team, we know them well because Barça B won there. It will not be easy. The single-match format is always surprising. We have nothing to gain because we are super favorites.
Are you losing patience with Dembélé?
I am calm and I wait for news. It does not depend on me. It depends on him, the club and its representatives. He should make an effort and think about his future and about Barça. His future passes through Barça.
Does the situation in LaLiga make the Cup more important?
Even if we were prominent in LaLiga, we would take it just as seriously. We are the champions and we have to defend the title and we are Barça.
Has Coutinho asked you to leave when it is the year of the World Cup?
I have not spoken. He is a good professional. For there to be inputs, there must be outputs. It seems that Alves will be enrolled today. For Ferran we need departures or for Dembélé to renew.
Do you share the optimism of the president?
Yeah right. I am with him. I am very close to him. He is a very brave guy and I am delighted with him. We are on the way back. We are close to the Champions League. Fighting, but the situation is what it is. I think we are on the right track.
Is Ricard Pruna already incorporated?
It takes two weeks. for me it is fundamental. Most trusted, a friend, the best doctor I’ve ever known. They make a wonderful couple with Xavi Valle.
What has Alves seen?
I see him very well. Spectacular in training sessions. With a very high pace in training. A hell of a pro and hopefully I can play every three days. We need you. He is a superlative player.
Have you spoken with Ter Stegen?
I already told you that I was stopping that ball. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Is happy. He was lower than he used to, but that stop will help him gain confidence.
How do you translate that “we have returned” from the president?
It is a goal. We were ninth and now we are fifth. We are coming back. Ferran’s thing helps to see that things can be done with the economic situation. You have to follow the president, we work 24 hours a day for this. You have to be positive. The president is the one who leads the way.
Has Dembélé disappointed you?
No, I reiterate that I am waiting. Our sports project cannot be better for him. In Barcelona he will be happy. I look forward to your effort.
Has Neto asked you to leave?
Tomorrow we will decide if he plays. I spoke to him today. That is why we have not given the list yet because we are awaiting Alves and the PCRs.
How are Memphis and Ansu?
By tomorrow there will be none. They have trained with the group and their feelings are positive. We will see for Granada. They are very close to returning.
How do you explain that Riqui has not played two games in a row as a starter?
He is helping us a lot and I am happy with him and we ask him for more things. The other day he played a very good game. But there is a lot of competition with a lot of good players and a lot of options.
What do you think of Morata?
I am not talking about hypotheses. Let’s talk about those who are part of the staff. If I register I will be open to all questions.
Has your understanding of the position game improved?
We have worked with games of situation, position, automated habits and personalized videos. We insist and they take it, but you have to be more constant and do it for 90 minutes.
What is Demir’s situation?
He is part of the staff and we are negotiating with his representative.