19-year-old Alejandro Balde is already a pillar of the national team. He owns the left wing and hopes to continue advancing in the Reds. Barça player told everything Interview with Prensa Ibérica He defended the position of the locker room in the ‘Rubiales case’.
This focus started with the players announcing that they will be playing against Rubiales, how are they doing now?
It’s true that a few days were hectic because of everything that was going on. Finally, the four captains spoke and together we formed an idea. The statement came out and we all touched on it.
Rubiales criticized them with a video from the ‘Merlí’ series, is that what was missing?
I didn’t notice much. As I said, the captains are long gone. We each had our own point of view and we all made the decision.
As seen in videos and social networks, Barça players have a close relationship with female footballers… Do you think that what Aitana Bonmatí said at the Monaco premiere represents you?
We have a good relationship with them. We share many beautiful moments, we have recorded many things together, and more must be said about the goal achieved. Winning the World Cup is a source of pride for all Spaniards.
Do you like Aitana’s move?
Yes, everyone has their own opinion. You need to respect and support values.
“Laminated Yamal is amazing”
I’m changing the subject, how’s your wrist?
I had a small problem, but I pulled myself together and performed well against Osasuna.
Now it’s time for the national team, has Spain won the Nations League and you couldn’t be there due to injury, did it leave a bad taste?
I got injured in the penultimate league game when I really wanted to go to the Nations League. But I was just as happy. Another championship for this team and something positive.
How is Lamine Yamal’s integration into La Roja going?
Lamine boy, 16 years old, got to go with him slowly. It will show the quality it has.
De la Fuente described him as the final player, how would you describe him?
I can say amazing. At the age of 16, whatever he does on the field, however he plays, he acts as if he has been here all his life. It will add a lot to us in the future.
He succeeded in not mentioning Dembele anymore…
Ousmane was a very important player who contributed a lot on offense. One goes, the other comes and will give us more of the same.
How is Lamine Yamal personally?
Lamine is a very calm child. I’ve known him for a long time at La Masia. We almost grew up together. He is a happy, cheerful child, loves to joke around. And this is the most important.
Do you and Gavi brothers have to play?
We are also very young, we are 19 years old. We try to advise you as best we can.
De Gavi said he didn’t behave himself well at the first De la Fuente rally you attended, are these comments surprising you?
People always talk a lot, but anyone who knows Gavi knows he’s a great guy. Often. He’s never been in trouble.
Jordi Alba has left, do you feel more pressure now that you own the left lane?
The desire is always the same, the goal is the same from day one. I don’t care if it’s me or someone else. I try to improve every day.
“Borja Iglesias? We’re in a free country
What about Luis de la Fuente? Although not mentioned in the statement, this shows that they fully support him.
He is a very good coach, he has been here for many years, knows the house, we can die with him. In football, you must act according to the coach’s opinion.
What do you think of Borja Iglesias’ stance on resigning from the national team until there is no change in the Federation?
Everyone makes their own decisions. We are in a free country and everyone decides what to do.
Can you imagine wanting to play your first European Championship?
Yes, this would be my first and it was an honor for me to qualify for the competition.
With a bright future team…
If we are a young and very talented team, this will definitely show itself in the future.
The same goes for Barça, from youth to strength.
Yes, this is good for the quarry. It will reflect in the future.
“Joaos are for ten people”
Joao Cancelo arrives, a player you’ve already noticed because he’s a winger and can play on both sides?
He is a top winger. Normally, I focus more on left-backs playing in my position, but it is a fact that he can play with left foot. He is a player who will give us a lot.
Is Joao Félix a different player?
He is also a top football player. He can contribute a lot in offense, his qualities will be seen and he will give us a lot of support.
Xavi talks a lot about the locker room as a family, the Joaos have a reputation for conflict, don’t you think there are problems with coexistence?
I do not think so. They’re ten years old since I’ve been with them. I don’t know if what is said about them is true or false, but we are a family and that is the most important thing.
“Ansu is like a brother but he will definitely come back”
Are you saddened by the departure of players like Abde, Eric or Ansu?
If he can produce more minutes, each player must also seek it out. It is true that it is a pity. Ansu is like a brother to me but if he decides this is for the best you have to support him and he will surely come back in a year.
Xavi also said that you should look at your house, on the other side there are players like Fermín, La Masia does not stop…
It is very important for the academy to see young players making the A team. Fermín is a very well-qualified player and he will show it.
Do you feel like an overweight player at Barça?
Each of them has a different weight in the team, each brings something different. I wouldn’t say that some have more weight than others. If you are there, it is because we are all equally important there.
“The Champions League is a fight, a dream”
Captain Sergi Roberto says he wants to abolish the Champions League.
We all want this. It’s a challenge, a dream, and something we all want.
Is it good that football players like Oriol Romeu or Gündoğan also add this experience?
Yes, young players with this experience give us advice, they are calm and it is good for this team.
He talks about family, he looks like Nico Williams’ brother here, they came to the concentration from Bilbao together…
We get on very well, we have a great relationship, we spent many summers together and he’s like another brother to me.
Too bad they’ll never be able to play together, you’re not Basque and he doesn’t seem to be leaving Athletic either.
(Laughter) The future will show that. He’s fine there, I’m fine here, we’ll see.