Diego Carlos: “I play hard, but I consider myself a fair defender”

His season, Olympics included, is longer than everyone else's. How are you physically?

I feel very well and the coaches control to the maximum what we play and train. Also, I have few injuries. I take maximum care of myself with physios and physical trainers so that a serious injury does not come.

How does it feel to have won the gold medal in Tokyo with Brazil?

Well, I was one of the oldest, but it's also a dream to win it at 28 years old. Dani Alves, who is 38, also lived it that way. Dani is spectacular, he gave us a great experience and transmitted a great positive energy.

Wouldn't Alves tell him something about going back to Sevilla.

No (laughs). But he says he had a very good time here, he's a very Sevilla fanatic. He will always carry it in his heart. He has the physique of a young man and is very excited to continue playing at a high level.

And Koundé, what does he say? Do you think you have already forgotten about Chelsea?

Sure. Jules already has his head in Sevilla, since he returned to play. We are always aware of him, he is very happy here.

Let's talk about you. Its renovation was done but it is not announced. Something happens?

We have the papers on the table, we just have to decide details such as when it is announced. I want to do beautiful things at Sevilla, help this club go as far as possible in its history.

How to win LaLiga? Do you see it as 'easier' than ever?

How is it going to be easy … We know that the greats are having a hard time, because there are always changes in their squads, but in the end they adapt and end up winning many games. We are focused on playing another Champions League year. Winning LaLiga does not depend on us.

For the moment, tomorrow in Wolfsburg, they cannot lose after the draw against Salzburg.

Yes, it is a very important duel. And we know it will be difficult, because Wolfsburg are a great adversary.

He will face Weghorst, a 1.97 forward. Memories of Haaland, who was measured last year in the Champions League round of 16?

I don't care about the height of the striker I'm going to face. I study all the adversaries. Against Haaland, in the first game, it was difficult because he is very good and you had to adapt to him. But in the first leg we had a chance to pass, Haaland touched the ball little.

Among the few debts that can be put into Diego Carlos's game is the amount of penalties he commits. 10 leads these two campaigns, more than anyone.

They are shots of the VAR, or the referee who makes those decisions. But I don't care: I'm not afraid of duels in the area. What has to happen will happen. Sometimes the penalties thing is a matter of bad luck.

His exuberant physique, which attracts the attention of the referees, does not help him anyway.

Can be. Many times, in the duels with me, I see that the forwards are thrown. The referees are more attentive to my physical part and perhaps the rivals take advantage of my height. But even though I play hard, I consider myself a very clean defender.

Speaking of strength, he was seen boxing on social media. Are you going to change sports?

No. My wife is boxing and in Brazil I have friends who are boxers. Sometimes I have trained with them and I took some classes to see how it was done. But as strong as I am, I find that I am better at using my feet.