Gavi talks Lamine, Ter Stegen, Rashford, Flick, Nico, Dro, captaincy, Real Madrid – ‘Of course they’re worried’ | OneFootball

Last season was not entirely ideal for Gavi at Barcelona, for he missed a good few months as he was recovering from an ACL injury.

Once he returned, the 19-year-old La Masia sensation had to make do with a slightly reduced role given the competition for places in midfield under Hansi Flick.

Heading into the new season, though, the Spanish international will be eager to establish himself as a regular starter and is out to prove himself in the pre-season.

Speaking in an interview with AS from South Korea, where the team is currently, Gavi touched upon several topics, including his fitness and captaincy ambitions, while issuing a warning to Real Madrid.

“Yes, the truth is we’re doing pretty well, and we need to keep it up. In the end, this tour is helping us prepare for the season, and we’re doing very well,” he said about the pre-season so far, kicking things off.

Personally, Gavi confirmed he feels physically and mentally stronger as he returns to full fitness, saying:

“I’m feeling better and better. I was already in very good form at the end of last season, and this season I hope to give my best to the team. That’s what I want.”

The teenager then revealed how he had been helping fellow midfielder Marc Bernal, who has been recovering from an ACL injury as well.

“In the end, when you have an injury like this, someone who’s already had it can help a lot. When it happened to me, I asked a lot of players, like Oriol Romeu. I asked him a lot of questions about the injury,” said Gavi.

“It’s true that Bernal asked me, and I tried to give him the best advice and support he needed. I’m very happy that he’s already training with us, and I hope he returns to the top level.”

Regarding the competition for places in midfield at Barcelona, Gavi noted: “We have some of the best midfielders in the world. I can play in several positions, and I think that says a lot about me. I’m a very complete player.

“The competition is very tough, and there are some very good players. The manager will decide, but it’s clear that it will be difficult to be a starter because the level is high.”

Recently, Flick has tested him in a deeper midfield role, a pivot, which Gavi has enjoyed.

“In this system, I like to play more at the base because I touch the ball more and I feel more of a protagonist, and it’s something important for me. At 6 or 8, the truth is that I love playing in these two positions,” he said.

Gavi scored against FC Seoul. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Against FC Seoul on Thursday, he even wore the captain’s armband and scored a goal, in what was a special moment. Reflecting on it, he said:

“I’ve always dreamed of wearing the Barcelona armband. It’s a source of pride for me, and I feel incredibly motivated every time I wear it. It inspires me even more.

“If I’m not one of the captains this season, that’s normal. Even though I’ve been with the first team for many years, I’m young and still have to learn from the veterans. It will come when it’s time.”

As far as Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation and the possibility of him losing the captaincy, Gavi noted:

“I don’t know how it will go yet. I guess we’ll decide on the players when we get to Barcelona.”

Talking about the new signings Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji, he remarked:

“I’m convinced they’ll both contribute a lot. Roony (Bardghji) is also doing quite well. I hope they give us their best so we can win all the titles.”

On Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Nico Williams, he noted: “Everyone knows Nico is a very good player. He’s always proven that with the national team. I’m happy with Marcus’s arrival because he’s an impressive player. We’re very happy with his signing.”

Gavi then lavished praise on Lamine Yamal, backing him for the Ballon d’Or, as he said: “I hope he wins. If he doesn’t this year, he’s 18 and very young. Being among the favourites is something unique. I’m happy with what he’s doing with us.”

Continuing, he added: “He’s an incredible player. He’s getting better every day. He’s amazing in training. He has to keep going like this, with that mentality, and I’m sure that if he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or this year, he’ll win many in the future.”

On his relationship with manager Hansi Flick, who praised him after the friendly vs FC Seoul, he said:

“He’s always trusted me and supported me after my injury. He cares about me and always wants to know if I’m okay. That’s what I’m left with: that he’s happy with me. He’ll decide what role I’ll have, but I’m very happy with him.

“I hope he’ll be here for many more years because we’re all very happy with him. And this makes the team play even more. We all trust the coach.”

Gavi also fired a dig at Real Madrid during the interview, when asked if the Merengues’ heavy spending this summer was because they were worried after losing all four Clasico matches last season.

“Of course, they’re worried. It was four out of four, and that’s never happened before. And it’s understandable that they’re worried. In the end, we were spectacular last season and they didn’t win anything.

“This year they’ve reinforced themselves with some very good players, to be honest, but we’ll see what they’ll do this season. They have a great team, but we have to be ourselves, and that’s it.”

Outlining the goal for the season for Barcelona, Gavi said: “In the end, everyone remembers the Champions League. It’s the most important trophy, and I hope we can reach the final.

“I’m sure and confident that my team will give everything they can to be there and give us the Champions League title the Catalans crave.”

Finally, Gavi named Pedro Hernandez ‘Dro’ as the academy talent to enjoy a breakout season this time around, saying:

“Dro. I hope he goes up. He’s an incredible talent and person. A very good kid. I give him a lot of advice because, ultimately, he’s my protege there.

“I always try to help him with everything, and I hope he continues like this, with the mentality he has and that he gives his all in training. It’s important because the manager sees him and then decides. If he continues like this, everything will go well for him.”