The mystery of Dani Olmo

Dani Olmo arrived at Leipzig last winter market for more than 30 million euros. It was the star signing of the Germans, who were ahead of many of the greats of Europe who followed the absolute Spanish international (Barcelona, ​​Bayern, Atlético …). It was a bet from Nagelsmann, the team's coach, who convinced him that he would be a key man. He started strongly despite the fact that he has hardly played in his area (he even made a goal), but in recent games he has not had minutes (he did not play against Tottenham in the first leg or in the return leg). A situation that has surprised a lot, starting with the player himself. Olmo attends to AS from Leipzig to explain in first person how he is living these first months in Germany.

How is it going?

I am very well acclimatized to the city. I live in Leipzig with my father and in my building there are five more teammates, that helps.

How has your adaptation to Germany and Leipzig been?

I feel good. To be honest I am having fewer minutes than I expected, I chose the club and the league that I thought was best for me, a project and a young team, in which I could have minutes, work and fight to go to the Euro Cup. I know I have just arrived and they ask me for patience, but I will never excuse myself in the adaptation period. I feel empowered and I will get more minutes, I am sure of that.

How were your first games?

Due to different circumstances, when I arrived I played four games in four different positions, on the back, on the pivot, on 9 and on the inside, and in none of them in the position that I can perform more and better for the team, I could only play on my site against Wolfsburg. Still I think I was at a good level, despite playing in different positions, I am always and will be available to the team and the coach. Then came three games without playing that caught me by surprise, but you have to respect it and keep working hard.

Why did you choose Leipzig?

They bet very strongly on me and, above all, I loved the project they sold me. The sports director came to Zagreb in person to explain it to me, and Julian Nagelsmann called me several times on the phone to tell me about my role in his project, that was decisive.

How important was your idea of ​​football in choosing Leipzig?

That was fundamental for me, because he is the one who decides. It was the day after the sports director's visit that Nagelsmann called me. He explained what I could contribute. He said he wanted me as a playmaker, the position where I am most comfortable. I have only played one game there, but the project was ideal for me and it convinced me, now I only hope that with the passing of the games I will begin to be that key player that he wants in the schemes, as he expected when signing me.

How is it as a coach?

It has many foundations. From game to game we always change the system a little, for the opponent it is very difficult to find out how we are going to play them. Nagelsmann has many talks with us. It is very clear, he knows what he wants from each player and transmits it to him, he makes his idea come to you very clearly so that you know what he expects of you on the field.

What has surprised you most about the Bundesliga?

Nor can I say that I was surprised, because I followed the league and had already played at this level in the Champions League, the Europa League, the U21 European Championship or the top team. But it is a very direct football, with a lot of back and forth. I knew the rhythm here was going to be like this and I feel good, ready to be important. I know they always talk about a time of adaptation, but when you arrive in winter, things are different. There you have to adapt from the first minute and I feel that I am, there are no excuses.

Are the training methods in Germany different from those in Spain?

In Leipzig everything is with the ball, although it is true that he also has a lot of physical demand. We do many contact exercises, two against two or three against two. You see yourself in training in many one-on-one situations, of overcoming lines. We try to make them look a lot like parties.

You are the revelation of the Champions. Do you feel capable of winning it?

We are a young team, without the experience of others, and although we are ambitious we only think about the next game. But if I came here it is to try to make history, to achieve great things with this club.

With the Euro Cup postponed, how do you see the Games?

I want to be there if the coach counts on me. It's a dream, I've always said it. And without Eurocopa this summer, it is clear that it has become the great objective at the national team level. I know that it is difficult to be, that the competition is high and none of us have a guaranteed place, but I will fight to be among the 18 chosen.

In 2021 it will be a more veteran year, more options to go to the European Championship.

I prefer to focus on the present, on my club, and not think so long term. I wanted to make the jump to one of the big leagues because I wanted to be in that Euro Cup. It remains a target. Now I am in a great club, I know that everything I do will have more impact and if I perform at my level, I will have options to also go with the National Team.

Coronavirus

Dani Olmo also explained how they are living the current situation in Germany, where the competition has been suspended but without taking such strict measures as those taking place in Spain.

How is this situation being experienced in Germany?

People do daily life, it is very different from what I read that is lived in Spain. I think that in sport we have noticed it more than in any other sector, because all competitions have been suspended. I hope that this will help people understand the gravity of what we are experiencing.

What is it like for a footballer to have to stay at home?

It is rare, although in Germany the situation is still different from what is experienced in Spain. We don't train together, but there is no quarantine. They have put a work plan for us and I go running and you see that people lead a normal life, there is no alarm. I think that point has not yet been reached here.

How do you keep fit? What type of exercises do you do?

On the one hand, I carry out an interval race in a park at different rhythms. And at home a lot of strength work with what I have: sofa, chairs, stairs … Anything is good to do exercises that allow you to stay in good shape.

What does your family tell you from Spain?

That they don't go outside. Only my mother can for that reason to walk our dog. All my friends and family are being very responsible, it is the best solution to make this happen quickly.

What message would you send to the Spanish who are having a hard time?

Let them stay home. Only together will we be able to get out of this. We must listen to the authorities and strictly comply with everything. I send much encouragement to all Spaniards, I follow with attention everything that happens and I hope that not only Spain and Germany, but also globally, we will get out of this situation.