The Blaugrana winger enjoys being a veteran with the youngest
“Now everything is very nice, but moments of difficulty will come”, warns the captain
Jordi Alba has given an interview to ‘Marca’ in which he analyzes the footballing and vital moment he is going through in a season in which he is no longer a regular starter, but in which he is enjoying his role as a veteran a lot and his relationship with the young. He admits that it was difficult for him to accept not always playing, but that it motivates him to be able to help his teammates grow.
The left-back shares his career with the less experienced players and explains that “it’s difficult to wear the Barcelona shirt. Now everything is very nice, but moments of difficulty will come and you have to have a very well-equipped head to withstand all kinds of comments and of pressure It is difficult to reach the first team and even more so being so young. I tell them to take advantage of the opportunity. That they know in the club in which they are. And not just playing, but knowing who they represent“. His advice, moreover, is even more important to Balde because “he plays in my position and I try to give him the best advice so that he continues to grow and learn.”
Despite everything, he maintains the maximum enthusiasm for competing and playing: “I feel capable, I think I’m at a good level. It’s true that I’m not playing everything, but when I go out I try to do my best. And when I’m not playing I try to help to all my teammates supporting them from the bench. It’s a new facet for me because normally I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of minutes. This year not so much, but I also have my minutes and I’m happy with this role. It’s important to help my teammates, being with them, advising them and this is also positive and motivates me”.
Of course, he admits that it took him a while to adapt: ”When he played (Xavi) he didn’t give me explanations and now when I don’t play either. I dedicate myself to training, to being good with myself, to playing the games in the best possible way and then the coach decides. I’m doing quite well. At first it was more difficult for me, but right now I’m mentally well and highly motivated”.