Barcelona midfielder Gavi gave an extensive interview to AS, in which he spoke about various topics related to himself and the team, sportal.bg reported.
On pre-season training and form
The truth is that we are quite good and we have to continue like this. Ultimately, this tour will serve us for the new season and we are very good. Personally, I feel better and better. At the end of last season, I finished in a very good rhythm, and this time I hope to give my best for the team. That is what I want.
For Marc Bernal, who also tore his cruciate ligament
Ultimately, when you have a similar injury, someone who has already been through it can help you a lot. When it happened to me, I asked a lot of questions to the other players, for example Oriol Romeu. I asked him a lot of things about the injury. Bernal really asked me and I tried to advise him as much as possible and give him the support he needed. I am very happy because he is already training with us. I hope he returns to the highest level.
On the competition in the midfield and my role on the pitch
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 am a very complete player. The competition is very high and there are quite good players. The coach will decide, but it will certainly be difficult to be a starter because the level is very high. Am I comfortable playing as a supporting midfielder? In this scheme, I like to play further back, because that way I touch the ball more and feel more active, and that is important to me. The truth is that I like playing both as a “six” and as a “eight”.
About the captaincy
I have always dreamed of wearing the Barcelona captaincy. It is a source of pride for me and I am very motivated every time I wear it. It gives me extra inspiration. But if I end up not being among the captains this season, that will be normal. Even though I have been in the first team for many years, I am still young and have yet to learn from the veterans. So it will happen when the time comes. I do not yet know who the new captain will be. I suppose the players will decide when we return to Barcelona.
About bringing in Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia
Yes, I think we are a better team with them. I am convinced that both of them will have a very big contribution. Also Rooney Barji, who is doing quite well. Hopefully they will show us their highest level so that we can win all the trophies. Would I prefer if Nico Williams had come? Everyone is busy, because he is a very good player. He has always shown it in the national team. However, I am happy with the arrival of Rashford, because he is an impressive player. We are very happy with his signing.
On the Champions League as the big goal for the team
After all, everyone remembers the Champions League. This is the most important trophy and hopefully we will be able to reach the final. I am convinced and believe that my team will do everything possible to be there and bring this cup that the fans are so hungry for.
On the expected return of the “Camp Nou”
The stadium is impressive. However, when you go out on the pitch, you get tripled motivated and want to give your all. You see how big it is and what the atmosphere is with all the people, and that motivates you even more. We wish we could play matches on our own pitch now.
On the possibility of Lamine Yamal winning the “Ballon d'Or”
I hope he gets it. Even if it doesn't happen this year, he's only 18 and quite young. The fact that he's already among the favorites is something unique. I'm happy with what he's doing with us. He is an incredible player and he is getting better every day. He is great in training. He has to continue with this mentality. I am convinced that even if it doesn't happen this year, he will win the “Ballon d'Or” many times in the future.
On whether Real Madrid are worried about Barcelona
Of course they are worried. We won all four derbies last season, and that had never happened in history. So it is logical that they are worried. After all, last season we were amazing and they didn't win anything. This year they have really strengthened themselves with some very good players, but we will see what they do this season. They have a great team, but we have to be ourselves and that's it.
On his relationship with Hansi Flick
He always believed in me and supported me after my injury. He worries about me and always wants to know if I'm okay. It's enough for me that he's happy with me. He decides what role I'll play, but I'm very happy with him. I hope he stays for many more years because we're all quite happy with him. That makes the team play even more. We all believe in the coach.
On who the next teenager to break into the first team is
Dro, I hope he breaks through. He is an incredible talent and person, a very good boy. I give him a lot of advice, because he is under my care after all. I always try to help him in everything and I hope he continues like this with this mentality and with his maximum dedication in training. This is important, because the coach watches and then decides. If he continues like this, everything will be fine.