Yannick Carrasco (Ixelles, Belgium, 4-9-1993) has chatted with AS about his good moment in the team and about Atlético's chances. The Belgian acknowledges that he has noticed a change in him and even reflects on how life experiences have taught him to appreciate and value everything more.
-You see a Carrasco different from other seasons …
“I don't know if it's different or not.” You are the one who has to answer this question.
“But don't you see anything different?”
-Age.
-Alone?
“Just age.”
—He is seen to be very applied in defense, very supportive …
– Before at Atlético he also defended. Otherwise he would never have been a starter with the coach. Now we play with a five-back system and maybe that's why you think I'm more committed defensively.
“Do you like that system and that lane position better?”
—I'm a player who likes to help the team and I do what the coach asks of me. I am an offensive footballer and as an offensive player I like to play as close to the opponent's goal as possible.
“It is striking how easy he is …
“It's a position I've already held in the national team.” I have played for several years like this and I am used to it. It is not a new situation for me.
—Atletico also seems to have changed the way they play …
—We have a very good squad, a very good team, a lot of competition and that makes the team grow. Then my time in China was positive for me. I have matured a bit, life experience is also important. I have seen that it was different from Europe, in Europe we are very lucky and all that is put into value. Being in the field, when you are younger you get pissed off faster over nonsense and when you are older you think: “I'm lucky, why am I going to get angry over nonsense?”
“I have matured. Life experience is important. In Europe we are very lucky and all that is put into value …”
—We attend a much more regular Carrasco, therefore …
-That's. Is the age. The good age is between 25 and 31 years old, you know how your body works, when you have to do one thing or another, take a break or attack, when you are younger it is more crazy. You do not care to do something, how it comes I do it, it does not matter if I lose the ball or not … You do it more without thinking, then when you are older you think more about the game …
—He arrived on loan and later Atlético signed him. I guess that will help too …
—Yes, when I arrived I was on loan for six months and that is more complicated, you have more pressure, that you don't get injured … I did quite well, that's why Atlético signed me and I'm very happy to continue here.
—Fans wonder what he did in China to get back to that level …
—I have always worked hard, I have been professional in training, outside of them, in matches … It is my job, it is my passion and the most important thing is to be a professional, I knew that one day I would return to Europe and I had to be prepared For the return.
—Many people think that Atlético can win LaLiga …
—LaLiga is long, many things can happen. We have a good squad, but we think about getting as many points as possible and then we'll see where we end up at the end of the season.
—Of the players you met on your return, have you been surprised by any in particular?
—There are many very good teammates, in each position there is competition and that is the strength of the team. We have very good players. I would have to tell you many names, many … Well, I have to tell you the entire campus.
“The good age is between 25 and 31, you know when to do one thing or another. Before you act more without thinking …”.
—Many fans and part of the specialized press consider that Atlético has the best squad in LaLiga. What do you think?
-What do you think? Is it the best for you?
“Well, possibly yes …
-It is your opinion. We only think of working and scoring as many points as possible. Thank you very much for the compliment.
—We are living a very complicated stage and it is being played without an audience. I imagine it will be strange …
“Yeah, it's a bit weird, but we're used to it.” It was weirder last season, it was new, it's true that we miss the fans, we have a spectacular crowd and I hope they can return to the stadium as soon as possible.
– Finally, they are footballers and they are not oblivious to what has happened in this 2020 that ends. What do you ask of the new year?
—The most important thing is health. At the team level we also have the least possible injuries and we want to finish LaLiga well, in good condition. Hopefully the whole team is well because when there are injuries it is always more difficult.