The Brazilian International recently sat for an interview with Barça TV + and expressed his views about new coach Ronald Koeman, his personal situation and more.
On the preseason: “It was a strange preseason, but it was nice. We were all able to stay here and work together every day. We got to spend some time with the new coach. It wasn’t much but we had time to train and understand what he wants.”
On a strange start to the campaign: “Those of us who aren’t playing internationals are going to get some time to rest. But the ones that did go away will have played a lot of games in a row and it’s going to a demanding year with three games a week. We have done well in our games so far but we need to keep this up or our good start will count for nothing.”
On Ronald Koeman: “Football is dynamic and ever-changing. Changes have been made and players that are used to playing in other positions are finding it strange and need time. But football is about making changes like that and we are all used to it. Koeman likes intensity and to move the ball around quickly. That’s what I like personally; I like to get the team moving as fast as possible. I like the intensity and the quick switches between defence and attack. We work as a unit and the team is more strong together. You could see that in the game with Celta when it barely showed that we were a man down.”
On his personal situation: “I feel good and am keen to work hard and improve, as I did last season. You can prove yourself more when you get regular games, but nothing has changed. You just want to make sure that every day, you do something to improve. I don’t just train to be in the team. I also do it to get better. I have not been gifted anything and it has been a fight for me ever since I started out in Brazil.”
On playing football behind closed doors: “I love the football spectacle and having fans come to games. But we know what we have got and have to adapt. Let’s just hope the fans are able to come back as soon as possible.”
On their goal: “Apart from proving a point, Barça always have to challenge to win all the titles. We all know that our responsibility is to win trophies. And we are in perfect condition to achieve that.”
