Barcelona midfield ace sets personal target for the new season – ‘Twenty goals in all competitions’ | OneFootball

Dani Olmo, FC Barcelona’s marquee signing for the 2024/25 season, is fully immersed in preparations for his second campaign at the club.

The Spanish international enjoyed a successful first season at the club, albeit one marred by injury issues and registration concerns.

Olmo is working hard to stay fit and build on the highs of his debut campaign, ten years after he left La Masia.

“The goal is to do it all over again,” Olmo said plainly when asked about matching last season’s success, in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo.

On what he expects from the upcoming season, the former RB Leipzig star said: “Playing a lot of games, first and foremost, and then success. That’s why we’re here, in this preseason in Asia, preparing for everything that’s to come.”

Setting the bar high, the midfielder did not shy away from setting a target for his goal tally for the new season.

“Double digits at least would be good.” Then, he added: “Twenty goals in all competitions would be a good season.”

When asked whether he prefers scoring or assisting, Olmo didn’t pick sides. “Both,” he said, before recalling a link-up with Lamine Yamal during the win against FC Seoul.

“Yes, there’s a good feeling. Afterwards, Lamine did what he did, but everything counts,” he noted.

Reflecting on the pressure of maintaining momentum, he acknowledged a famous quote from Johan Cruyff: that the second season is always the hardest.

“It could be, because after a highly successful first season, with three titles and a Champions League semi-final, you could say that repeating it the next time will be the hardest part, but that’s the beauty of it,” said Olmo.

“Every year you renew yourself, and every year you have to fight to win again.”

On whether he thinks Barcelona will be the team to beat in the new season, Olmo replied:

I hadn’t thought about it, personally. You could say yes, because we’re a team that’s won almost everything except the Champions League, but I don’t think it’s something we have in mind.

“We just know what we have to do, we want to win, and we’re focused on that.”

The Champions League, naturally, remains the missing piece. “Yes, it’s a dream, that’s for sure. Last year, I think we could have made it to that final, but due to minor issues, we couldn’t, and this is the year we have another chance,” he acknowledged.

Talking about the Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter Milan, Olmo was asked if the elimination felt like a robbery. In response, he chuckled and said: “A robbery? Why?”

And when pointed out the possible foul on Gerard Martin before Inter’s equaliser, Olmo replied:

“Yes, yes, but if we had scored one more goal, nothing would have happened. They were two matches, lasting 90 and 120 minutes, very even until the end. Yes, there may have been an offside, a minor foul, but in the end, it’s no excuse.

“We could have done some things better, we know that, and that’s what we’re taking with us for next season.”

Looking forward to another successful season. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

With no major tournaments this summer, Barça’s entire squad has been able to work together in pre-season. Olmo sees it as a huge advantage.

“It’s something we’ll benefit from, for sure. A full pre-season with the whole team, that’s going to matter,” he said.

Even after missing the start of the last season due to registration issues, Olmo stated that he never had second thoughts or regrets about joining Barcelona.

“Not at all, not at any time,” he said.

Talking about the new signings this summer, he added: “With the doors open, every reinforcement is good for improving the team, and good players and very good people have arrived, which is what matters.”

Asked about leadership, Olmo, who captained various youth sides, reflected on what makes a good captain.

“Let him think for the group. A captain is a leader, not only inside but also outside. Sometimes I think you don’t need to wear the armband to be a captain or a leader,” he said.

“He’s the spokesperson, but you don’t become a captain overnight. In the end, it’s about having the group’s trust, leadership, and being an example.”

On Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation as captain and his injury recovery, Olmo was firm: “We’re not experiencing it in any way. Marc is just another teammate, a team captain, who can’t be with us now because of this operation. As teammates and as a team, we’re with him so he can return as soon as possible.”

Olmo also expressed his anticipation to play at Spotify Camp Nou, as Barcelona gear up for a return to their hallowed turf.

“A unique sensation, I imagine. With a full stadium, it’s a unique setting in the world of football, an iconic stadium,” he said.

On the expectations from manager Hansi Flick, Olmo remarked: “The same as last year, I hope we are at the highest level, both me and everyone else, to win again.”

“He’s always been demanding – in everything. Punctuality, for example, is a sign of respect for teammates and staff. We all get that. And on the pitch, he pushes us hard,” he added.

Olmo, a product of La Masia, believes Flick fits Barça’s identity well, as he said: “Yes, I’d say so, because he’s a coach who wants to dominate, who wants to have the ball, who wants to attack, and who wants to win. So yes, you could say he has Barça DNA.”

When asked to describe Flick, he said: “A friendly coach with clear ideas. He knows what he wants, how he wants us to play. And we know it perfectly. In that sense, he’s ambitious.”

Their group chemistry is another strength, especially given how many players also feature in the Spanish national team.

“One of the things that motivated me was precisely being able to play every week with players like Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Ferran…. We are a group of friends playing football, and it shows on the field,” he said.

Pressed on team personalities, Olmo revealed: “Ferran and Eric are the funniest – Eric might seem quiet, but when he’s with Ferran, it’s a great combo.”

And the shyest? “Maybe Andreas. He talks, but not too much.”