How important is the match against Real, the team you already played against in the Super Cup, before the national team break?
“It is the third game we have played against them, they are a strong team, one of the best in this championship. They always want to build and push. It will be difficult.”
Are you happy for the arrival of Joan Laporta?
“It was important to have a president, it gives peace of mind to have someone who is the face of the club, but nothing changes for our work.”
How did you receive the speech of support for you from Laporta?
“It is important that they highlight the work we are doing. He already told me personally after Paris. We must continue in this line so that the results reinforce it. Hopefully it will last for a long time.”
How about the praise from Tusquets?
“I have spoken of several things with him. On the salaries had to understand the situation of the club. He was arranged to help in any sense. I appreciate his words. I do not work to stay long, I do it to win parties and that the culés are happy “.
Are they going for the double?
I don't like to talk about a doublet. This changes very quickly. Not long ago we were bad. We have to go game by game and we are four points behind and the calendar is very difficult. We have a final against a very difficult opponent. There is a long way to go to win things.
Is the team peaking or is there room for improvement?
“There is always room for improvement. Our trajectory in the last games is good, but it was forced by the distance that separated us from the leader.”
Do you know that historically Anoeta is complicated for Barça?
“I don't know if it will be the most decisive game, but we have some distance from the first one and each defeat can be expensive. It is a complicated field, they play well, they have a great coach. It is a very interesting game. We will have to show our face” .
Do you understand the disparity of criteria regarding public attendance?
“Yes, because there are people who decide. I see positively that there are 1,000 people in Barça B. It is one more step. You have to trust the government. You have to go little by little, it is one more step.”
How do you rate Haaland, would you like to coach him?
“Out of respect I will not talk about a player who is not ours. We will talk a lot about players, but I need to focus on the games and the players I have. Next year and next year.”
How can the Copa de la Real final influence this match?
“I don't think it influences. There is a break in LaLiga and they will have time to prepare for their final against Athletic Bilbao.”
Are you worried about De Jong and Messi cards?
“We know they are one card away from the sanction, but it is what there is. I will not reserve anyone. I hope they do not see it. If they see it, another will play.”
Have you competed against Messi in direct free kicks after training?
“I'm not ready to throw them anymore. I got a lot of performance in his day. You can't compare it. He's left-handed, I'm right-handed. I hope he continues scoring more.”
Do you plan to meet with Laporta again?
“After tomorrow's game, we will take advantage of the break to talk about the future, team, signings and get to know each other more.”
How is Ansu Fati's recovery?
“He is being longer than we expected. In a few weeks he will be training abroad again, but he is young and strong. We are not in a hurry.”