How does Rakitic return, after several days of 'rest' due to the sanction in Ipurua?
I got very angry with myself in Eibar. It was a yellow that I could avoid, but maybe it was time to breathe because I accumulated several games and I clearly saw an improvement in my performance. I feel better every day and I am at a very good level.
Has the change from Barcelona to Sevilla affected you a lot?
The word 'affect' is not the most correct, although football in Barcelona is different from what it could be here, of course. I wish when you get to a new team you could hit a button and be able to say “it changes and forwards”, but it is not like that. Adaptation is needed. I have always been able to count on the confidence of the coach, my teammates and the people at the club. I have picked up a rhythm and I have known them. It has not been easy, it was not to arrive and already compete to the maximum. I felt an improvement every week. In recent times my performance is similar to what I want and that makes me even more want to work.
How does Sevilla reach these Cup semi-finals against Barcelona?
At the best time of the season. In the last games and weeks we are growing. And for me, regardless of having spent six years there, the meeting is very special. Barça is one of the biggest.
Is there a key to pass the tie?
The key is not to lose the illusion to pass it. We know that you have to make two very complete, perfect matches. They are not happy that Sevilla has played them, they did not like it. Hopefully we can give the fans a Cup final in our city.
Elections, change of coach, the mess with Messi … How do you experience these moments at the Camp Nou just after leaving there?
I live it like all of us who are far away. I wish Barcelona the best, that first. Hopefully peace of mind will return as soon as possible, it is necessary. But it all depends on how the team is doing and now they are fine. It is seen that Barça has more rhythm every week. A difficult game awaits us.
And Messi? Will it go or will it stay?
He has said that he will decide at the end of the season and he has won to decide. You have to give him peace of mind and do what his heart wants. For those of us who like football, it is important that Leo transmit that joy on the field, that he enjoy football. Messi has returned to smile and the Barça is noticing it.
How did you experience the leak of the Argentine contract?
I like the NBA and there you know what the players win, so I don't know why there were controversies. We all see what Leo generates, it is outrageous. When I have traveled with him on tours, Messi is always asked, and if anything more. He, Cristiano, Neymar … move so much that the contracts are perfectly understood.
You also shared a dressing room with Griezmann and Dembelé.
I'm so glad they're standing out. Antoine is one of my favorites, because he is a very open and very close guy, who treats you in an incredible way, and he is also a hard worker and scorer. Dembelé is one of the highest quality players I have ever played with. You have been unlucky. I've gotten along very well with Ousmane and he deserves things to go well for him, he has the whole race ahead of him. It will be difficult to compete against them.
It follows that he would not celebrate a goal against Barça.
No. With me things that were discussed were not fulfilled but there I have lived many beautiful moments. My little daughter was born in Barcelona, I have many friends in the city and a lot of affection from the fans, which is mutual. They even gave me an award for my behavior with them.
Let's go back to Sevilla. Now competition for everyone has arrived, Papu Gómez.
I congratulate the club for signing Papu. All Sevillistas are very happy to have him here. He is more of a midfielder and attacker and I can even play a pivot, the role is different. We like to act together.
Ocampos' injury, how do you feel?
We need everyone, also Lucas, who competes in every game in an incredible way. I spoke with him and listened to him more animated. Now to recover. The Getafe and Djené? There are no problems with them, they are football things.
How much has Sevilla changed in these six years since he left?
Less Monchi, the president, Jesús Gómez (dircom) and the Pigeon (utillero) has changed almost everything (laughs). The club has taken many steps forward. Being able to compete at the top and hold out there for so long is impressive. Having matches every three or four days is tough but beautiful.
He also continues, he returned home as you did, Jesús Navas.
We get along very well, we even get together with our families. It's very nice that we both share this wardrobe, with the bracelet. What Jesus has competed in in recent times was not normal, it seemed a matter of time that ended up falling. But the doctors are working great and Navas will be with us soon. The team is waiting for you, we will welcome you with open arms.