Barcelona face Borussia Dortmund within the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night time, and one star has come out swinging in opposition to the criticism levelled at him.
Favourites to achieve the semi-finals, Barcelona are additionally prime of La Liga and into the ultimate of the Copa del Rey. Loads of stars have been on prime kind for the Blaugrana this time period, with Raphinha tipped for the Ballon d’Or, Lamine Yamal progressing much more and Robert Lewandowski registering much more ridiculous goalscoring tallies.
Because of the aspect’s beautiful kind in all competitions, some proficient people have been diminished to a bit-part position this time period below Hansi Flick, with criticism coming in for a sure academy graduate.
Barcelona star hits again at critics
The Barcelona beginning XI in opposition to Actual Betis (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
At 20-years-old, Gavi continues to be a younger participant studying and creating in skilled soccer, with the Spaniard spending practically a yr on the sidelines as a result of a critical ACL damage he sustained in November 2023. The 2022 Golden Boy returned to motion in October 2024, and although he is made 29 appearances in all competitions, simply 15 have been from the beginning.
Sure sections of the Spanish media have criticised him for the depth with which he performs at, nonetheless, suggesting that his aggression diminishes his capability on the ball. The diminutive midfielder disagrees wholeheartedly, nonetheless.
Gavi on the ball for Barcelona (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
“Lots of people suppose I don’t know methods to play soccer, and so they don’t have a fu**ing clue,” Gavi mentioned . “This season, I haven’t had such an vital position however after a critical damage, that’s regular. I’m very pleased with the restoration I’ve had.
“I feel I’m at 100 per cent since I got here again, it’s simply that I’m extra snug in some video games than in others. I’m pleased with the efficiency I’m giving. On the pitch, you possibly can see that I haven’t modified in any respect due to the damage. I’ve the identical mentality. I’m calm and pleased with my return after the damage.
“Many don’t come again the identical, however I do know what I’m able to, and I do know my mentality. I’m again to being the participant I used to be earlier than. I’d prefer to retire at Barca, however in soccer, you by no means know.”
Gavi will definitely battle for his place within the Barcelona beginning XI, although. Whereas Marc Casado, Pedri, Frenkie De Jong and Dani Olmo are sometimes most popular forward of him, Gavi recognises that his critical damage has naturally positioned him down the pecking order.
Gavi and his supervisor Hansi Flick (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
“Getting back from an damage like that’s robust and Hansi has lots of religion in me. I’m very completely happy to have him as my coach,” Gavi added.
“Hansi helps me with many facets of soccer but in addition with my extra human aspect. I’ve to grasp in my head that I can’t at all times be a starter. We’re completely happy to have him as our coach.”
