Barcelona star Gavi did not have a shortage of smiling in the press room for their collision with Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, mainly for his rather blast way to respond to his critics. He also had a lot to say about his return of injury and a relationship with manager Hansi Flick.
The 20-year-old came back from a year out of operation after a cross ligament injury in November and gradually built up his minutes. Gavi told the press that he was satisfied with his progress.
“Hansi and I are very close. He understands that I am coming off a serious injury.
“Hansi helps me with many football concepts, but also on the more human side. Because I was small, I had always played as a starter, and it is something that I had to understand in my head: I can't always be a starter. Flick is spectacular, and we are very happy to have him as a coach.
The competition for places in Barcelona is more stiff in midfield than anywhere in the Barcelona team, where Gavi usually works behind the rush, or further back in midfield. Sometimes he reproduced the broad role that he had fulfilled under Xavi Hernandez, and he was asked where he felt most at ease.
“I play in different midfield positions. It's a good thing. The coach sees me more as an attacking midfielder, but I can play as a double pivot or as a number 6. The more positions I play, the better I can be. I can play in any midfield position.”
Gavi also wanted to get away from arrogance, despite the acknowledgment that the season went very well.
“We have a spectacular season, but we don't feel invincible. We have to approach every game with humility, know where we come from. We want to win as many titles as possible, but we have to make the one game at the same time.”
The La Masia product had little worried about his fitness on his return of an injury. Apart from the foreign absence, Gavi has largely avoided the usual muscle injury that often follow similar rehabilitation.
“I think I have been 100% fit since I returned. In some games I feel more comfortable than in others. Once you get to the team, you are calm and at ease.”
“I think it can be seen on the field. Since the injury nothing has changed, and that is important to me. I have the same mentality. I am calm and happy to be back after the injury. It is true that there are players who do not come back, but I am calm because I know where I am in.”
Gavi was also asked about the criticism he receives because he is not as good on the ball as some of his teammates, and his reputation that he is just a 'hard man' in midfield.
“It's true what you say. Many people think I don't know how to play football. They don't have a f ****** idea,” he said emphatically – he would later walk away with a grin on his face.