FC Barcelona Star Gavi Says ‘Of Course Real Madrid Is Worried’

FC Barcelona midfielder said that “of course” bitter rival Real Madrid is “worried” about the Catalans, while speaking to AS from a preseason tour of Asia.

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FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi said that “of course” bitter rival Real Madrid is “worried” about the Catalans, while speaking from a preseason tour of Asia.

Gavi was given the captain’s armband during Thursday’s 7-3 win over Seoul in South Korea, and even got on the scoresheet.

For the Andalusian, being the team’s leader was a dream come true and a source of great pride.

“I’ve always dreamed of being able to wear the Barcelona armband. It is a [source of] pride for me and I feel very motivated every time I wear it. It inspires me more. If at the end of this season I’m not one of the captains, it’s fine. Even though I’ve been in the first team for many years, I’m young and I still have to learn from the veterans. It will come when it is time,” he explained, about being named one of permanent skippers.

With Barca bested by Inter Milan in the semifinals of the competition last term, Gavi agreed that winning the Champions League is one of the main goals in this upcoming season.

“In the end, everyone remembers the Champions League. It’s the most important trophy and hopefully we can be in the final. I am sure and I trust that my team will give everything possible to be there and give us that Champions League that Culers crave so much,” he confidently stated.

While the Champions League is the most coveted team trophy, Lamine Yamal could be awarded the highest individual honor in the sport which is the Ballon d’Or.

“I hope he wins it. If he doesn’t do it this year, he’s 18 years old and still very young. Being there among the favorites is already something unique. I’m happy for what he’s doing with us,” Gavi said.

“He’s an incredible player. Every day is better. In training he is amazing. He has to continue like this, with that mentality, and I’m sure that if he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or this year, he will win many in the future.”

Real Madrid will be Barca’s main rival domestically. And with Madrid spending heavily to avoid the Catalans lifting all three main trophies in Spain again, Gavi said that “of course” Los Blancos are worried about the Blaugrana.

“Of course they are worried. It was four out of four [Clasicos we won] and that had never happened in histor. It is logical that they are worried. In the end, we were spectacular last season and they didn’t win anything. This year they have reinforced themselves with very good players to be honest, but we will see what they will do this season. They have a great team but we have to be us and that’s it,” Gavi concluded.

Gavi will once again have a difficult fight for minutes at FC Barcelona

With the likes of Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez his competition for the CAM spot, while Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have the more retreated spots locked down, Gavi once again faces a tough battle for minutes in FC Barcelona’s midfield this season.