FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo (27 years old) shared his thoughts on the current state and future of the team in European competition in an interview with RAC1.
He stated that the Champions League will be challenging and that many changes are necessary if the team aims to compete for and win it. Olmo did not shy away from self-criticism following recent results and emphasized the need to improve collective performance to reach the highest level internationally.
The Spanish international acknowledged the team was unsatisfied with their last game against Girona and did not make excuses regarding the 2-1 moment. He admitted that if the team had converted their chances, they would have won. He stressed that the responsibility for improvement lies primarily with the players.
Though he mentioned some refereeing decisions have not helped, Olmo made it clear that progress depends on the team's own efficiency and consistency.
He defended the coach’s football philosophy, stating that the style remains unchanged and that two matches don’t define a tragedy. He reminded that the squad, despite its youth, knows what it needs to do and has previously won titles with this approach.
Olmo expressed confidence about the upcoming rematch at Camp Nou against Atlético Madrid, appealing to fan support. Looking ahead to the knockout stages, likely against Newcastle or PSG, he acknowledged the opposition will be a top club and reiterated that to lift the trophy, Barcelona must step up in several areas of their game.
Reflecting on the previous season’s near success, Olmo said it motivates the team to try to bring the trophy home.
On a personal level, he feels in good physical form, having found regularity and maturity, rejecting the label of a fragile player.
He also praised teammates Pedri as one of the best in the world at his position, Ronald Araujo for his bravery overcoming mental health issues, and goalkeeper Joan García for his important saves.
Olmo concluded with an ambitious reflection: if the team wins all remaining matches, they will secure the league title. While the World Cup is both a personal and collective goal, everything starts with daily performance at the club.
