Dani Olmo talks Flick, Pedri, Fermin, Gavi, Lamine, Bardghji, Frenkie, Eric, Joan Garcia | OneFootball

In a detailed conversation with SPORT, Dani Olmo spoke openly about his journey, his manager, and the current atmosphere inside Barcelona. 

The midfielder, who came through La Masia before leaving as a teenager, reflected on the risks he took early in his career.

When asked what advice he would now give the young Olmo who chose to leave Barcelona to develop abroad, he gave a calm and emotional response:

“Well, to trust in the dream he had and to work hard to make it come true,” he began the interview.

Nothing but praise for Flick

The interview then shifted focus to head coach Hansi Flick, with Olmo asked to describe what kind of “father figure” he would be in the dressing room. 

“He’s approachable. In the end, he always says that his doors are open for anything we need and that he will be there for everything, always willing to help us.”

On whether any personal conversations with Flick had left a strong impact on him, Olmo confirmed their importance while keeping details private:

“Yes, I have, but in the end, they are private conversations. It’s true that we talk about football rules and other things, but yes, we’ve also had personal conversations.”

Following two consecutive defeats earlier this season, Flick reportedly held a frank discussion with the squad. 

When asked if tactical concerns were raised about playing too high up the pitch, Olmo chose to protect dressing room privacy.

“I’m not going to comment on what was said; at the end of the day, that’s an internal matter. But we’re a team, and we all want to improve. 

“The coach also wants to listen to us, and that’s important for continuing to improve.”

When questioned about whether Flick is the ideal coach for Barça, Olmo showed full confidence in the German:

“You could say that. At the end of the day, we’ve won four competitions and this season we’re still in contention for the three that remain. 

“It’s true that the Cup is a little more complicated, but we’re going to go for it.”

Preferred playing position

Dani Olmo is a versatile asset for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Discussing his tactical role, particularly when covering for Pedri, Olmo explained both the positives and the challenges of playing deeper.

“What I’ve enjoyed most is that you have more contact with the ball because, as a number 10, you’re sometimes too isolated. 

“When the opponents close down, it’s also difficult for them to find you more easily. And the worst thing, I’d say, is perhaps the transitions. 

“Sometimes they catch you a little off guard, so to speak, and then you have to get back, of course.”

On playing as a false nine when required, he made it clear he feels comfortable in that role:

“Yes, yes, it’s a position I feel very comfortable in. Hansi played me there last year against Betis, just one game, I think, and it went well. 

“But ultimately, he knows me now in the positions where I can perform and play, and the number nine position is one where I feel comfortable.”

Pedri’s absence

Addressing the impact of Pedri’s absence due to injury, Olmo acknowledged how important his teammate is.

“Well, Pedri is a very important player for us, one of the best in the world, not just in his position. And when he’s injured, it’s obviously a significant loss. 

“But I think the team has played well. We’ve had two games against Atlético and against Girona where we haven’t played well, and the team knows that. 

“We have to be prepared. Obviously, we want all the players to be available, but we have to be ready for when someone isn’t.”

On chemistry within the squad, Olmo highlighted his understanding with two teammates.

“I get on really well with Pedri, we understand each other; he knows the kind of passes I like, and the same goes for Eric Garcia.”

When facing criticism that Barcelona cannot win the Champions League playing this way, Olmo admitted it hurts but insisted the team is realistic:

“Well, it bothers us, but we know what we have to do. Behind closed doors, we analyze absolutely everything. 

“We know the level that exists in Europe right now, and we know that if we want to be in contention to win the Champions League, we have to improve certain things.”

Competition within the team

On the perceived rivalry with Fermin Lopez, he dismissed the narrative firmly.

“Yes, we get along very well, obviously. If you can’t see it on the field, you can clearly see it off the field. We’re not competitors. 

“We do play in the same position, but we’ve played the last eight or ten games together. I’ve played some games as a winger, he’s played as a number 10, vice versa, as an eight. 

“So that’s not a problem. We also understand each other perfectly.”

Speaking about Gavi, who is close to returning, Olmo made it clear what the team has been missing:

“His determination, his energy, not only in training but also on match days. On the pitch, Gavi is a special player who is sorely missed.”

On young star Lamine and his competitive reaction to substitutions, Olmo normalised that ambition:

“All players want to play as much as possible. It’s normal to get angry from time to time, but then you move on. 

“At the end of the day, it’s just that ambition and competitive spirit that everyone has.”

On Joan Garcia and Bardghji

Olmo has praised Joan Garcia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

When discussing new goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Olmo praised his immediate impact:

“We knew he was a world-class goalkeeper, and he’s proven that in the short time he’s been here. 

“He’s always alert. We don’t expect anything more or anything less than what he’s giving us.”

On summer signing Roony Bardghji, he admitted he did not know much about him initially.

“I didn’t know him, but he’s a confident, young player who isn’t afraid to take on opponents. So far, when he’s played, he’s done well.”

Looking ahead to the Cup clash with Atletico Madrid, Olmo reflected on comebacks.

“I don’t remember much from one game to the next. In the same game, last year against Benfica, for example. But it could be the first.”

Finally, when asked about the most underrated player in the squad, Olmo surprised many.

“I’d say Eric Garcia. He’s a little more appreciated now, but yes.”

And when Frenkie de Jong was mentioned, he responded, “Frenkie? Well, I think he’s very well valued, isn’t he? I think people value him well. 

“If not, Frenkie and Eric. They’re two of the best,” he concluded.