Sergi spoke as soon as the game ended in the Olimpiyskiy press room. This was his vision of the match:
How did you see the game tactically?
In the first part they were waiting for us. We had worked on it, but they made us run backwards. We had to change the equipment a bit due to the physical problem of Dest. I have spoken with Gavi to clarify issues of pressure because it is not the same to be inside as extreme, but today in the center of the field we had four players and that allowed us to go strong. In the second half, we decided that Busquets would go further back to get the ball.
The players were released at the end. Yesterday he spoke of the importance of playing without anxiety. Was the triumph psychologically key?
In the pre-game talk, as a culé that I am, I reminded them how important the game was for us. And there are many players from the quarry to understand it. I have gone to feeling. I have reminded them that we had not won abroad. I don’t know if it worked or not, but I had to change the script a bit. And we have won. When you win you free yourself. And I think this hit on the table is important. To maintain the dynamics, you have to continue like this. To score goals we suffer a lot. You have to keep breaking stone.
Was it winning anyway?
Yes. Civilly or criminally. Everybody knew. The players, in the previous hours, were stressed. And you see that the appearance of the face has changed. I believe in work, in the path that has led us to victory. But winning helps you work better and that players better perceive the message we give. We’ll see what the next game is like, but it helps.
How important is Ansu and how important is the loss of Kun?
I have treated Kun little, but we need to help him, tuck him in and make him have a quick recovery. Ansu has what differentiates him, which is the goal. He has that quality that he brings and frees Memphis a bit. Ansu has put in today, Memphis will put in tomorrow. When you can divide the focus of your threats, that means that opponents have multiple objectives and there are more free spaces.
Has it also been a liberation for you?
It is true that, on a personal level, being here at Barça is milk. Because this club has given me everything. Then the players understand where they are and the importance of what they do.
How have you seen Dembélé?
He has speed, one-on-one, game vision. It attracts players and I have put it earlier than I expected. It is appreciated that the players who were touched have wanted to play. Among them, him. And he is a player who makes a difference.
The situation at the club is complicated. In his case, the situation is temporary. What do you feel, how do you value that it is just a parenthesis?
As if it were my team. As if I showed doubts, my players would not believe in me. The only way we can go together with the players is to help each other. I can’t be thinking if I’ll be there tomorrow or not. I love the club and it is important that there is not the slightest doubt because otherwise what I have done today would be useless.
Will he be in Vigo with the team, what have they told him?
We will work tomorrow. Let’s enjoy today. What I know is that when I come back tomorrow I have to train. I don’t know if I’ll end up in Vigo for the week or at the Johan Cruyff. But I will contribute what I know and that will help me grow.