Gavi talks Kounde, Flick, injury, treble, preferred role ahead of Barcelona vs Dortmund – ‘I’d retire here’ | OneFootball

As Barcelona get set to take on Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tomorrow, midfield sensation Gavi spoke to the media and previewed the clash.

Accompanying manager Hansi Flick for the press conference, the 20-year-old spoke about his relationship with the German tactician as well as his preferred position and fitness levels.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s the first time I’ve played in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and we’re really looking forward to the game and getting the win,” stated Gavi, sharing his thoughts on tomorrow’s contest in Montjuic.

Regarding the team’s mentality and mindset heading into the contest against Dortmund, Gavi remarked:

“We are having a spectacular season, but we don’t feel invincible. We have to be humble in every game, knowing where we come from. We want to win as many titles as possible, but we have to take it one game at a time.”

On the excitement among the fans heading into the business end of the season, he said:

“They have to be excited. We are having a very good season, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. We are working to make the fans happy and to win as many titles as possible.”

The midfielder then gave an insight into the kind of relationship he shares with Flick, saying:

“Hansi and I are very close. He understands that I come from a serious injury. It’s hard to come back from a year out of action, but for me, the season has been spectacular. I’m very happy with him.”

Regarding his fitness and rehabilitation after the ACL injury, the Spanish international remarked:

“I think I’m at 100% since I’ve been back. In some games, I feel more comfortable than in others. Once you’re with the team you’re calm and comfortable.”

On whether anything has changed for him with regard to how he plays after the injury, Gavi responded:

“I think it’s noticeable on the pitch. Nothing has changed from before the injury. I have the same mentality. I’m calm and happy to be back after the injury.

“It’s true that there are players who don’t come back the same, but I’m calm because I know what I’m capable of.”

Gavi is very happy with Flick. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Since returning from injury, Flick has used Gavi in multiple positions, be it as an attacking midfielder or in a deeper role in the double pivot, while also deploying him as a false-winger on rare occasions.

Talking about his preferred position, the youngster insisted that he is willing to play anywhere the coach wants him.

“I am playing in several midfield positions. It’s a good thing. The coach is seeing me more as a playmaker, but I can play as a double pivot or as a “6”. The more positions I play the better. I can play in any position in midfield,” he noted.

On how he has improved as a player under Flick, Gavi explained: “Flick is putting me in many positions and this can improve my game. It’s going to be very good for the future. The more complete I am, the better. That’s something Flick is doing with me.”

Further continuing, the midfielder added: “Hansi is helping me with a lot of football concepts, but also with my human side.

“Since I was little I had always played as a starter and it’s something my head had to understand, that I can’t always be a starter. Flick is spectacular and we are very happy to have him as our coach.”

Regarding his role within the team and the reduced minutes of late, he added: “It’s true that I’m not playing such an important role, but it’s normal because I’m coming off a long injury. I’m very happy with the recovery I’ve had.”

With Barcelona well within a chance of winning a treble this season, Gavi was asked if he remembers the club’s first treble.

“I was very young, I don’t remember very well. In La Masia you always dream of winning the treble or the sextet, the maximum number of titles possible,” he replied.

On whether he dreams of winning the treble, Gavi stated: “There are players who dream big and that’s fine, but I think we have to win the next game.”

On the Blaugrana being touted as the favourites to win the Champions League, he said: “We have to take it one game at a time. People can put us as favourites, but we have to keep on doing our job, which is to beat Borussia.”

The youngster then lavished praise on his teammate Jules Kounde, who has played 100 games in a row for club and country without any break.

“Jules is a player who takes care of himself. He’s very important. He’s played 100 games, it’s crazy. That comes from taking care of himself,” said Gavi.

Regarding some critics complaining about the way he plays, he noted: “It’s true what people say that I don’t know how to play football. They have no f***ing idea. It’s fine.”

Gavi then went on to reiterate his desire to retire at Barcelona, stating: “Obviously, I would like to retire at Barça. You never know, but if it was up to me I’d retire here at Barça.”

Source: BarçaOne