Dani Olmo: It’s unique every time. Naturally, we are constantly motivated by our opponents, especially Bayern Munich. We’ve already faced them twice this season. We would like to defeat them at home, where we have already won once and drawn the other. Naturally, we both need the points, so this will undoubtedly be a great game.
How much more confidence do you and the team feel after the last several matches than from two years ago against Bayern? Is it something that becomes stronger each time you win?
Bayern is always a formidable opponent, of course. I recall that in past years, even though we played well, we would ultimately lose—possibly 1-0 or 3-2. If my memory serves me correctly, we won a game there 2-3 during COVID-19. Indeed, it’s never easy to deal with them. They have a top-notch squad and players. It is therefore always a conflict in the end. It constantly inspires me greatly as a player.
What is your opinion of the 3-0 DFL Supercup win you had earlier this season? Is that one of your finest, if not THE best, individual performances in a game?
To score three goals there at the Allianz in Munich and take home a trophy, I would say that the game was ideal for all of us. Undoubtedly, that was among my best performances. Naturally, though, we must continue as football is a never-ending sport. We now get another opportunity to play in the Allianz; hopefully, it goes well.
In the locker room, do your teammates casually ask for another hat-trick or have they been requesting it?
Yes, it is always amenable to humour. But we must maintain our groundedness and humility. It will definitely not be the same game as it was in the Supercup, so we just need to keep playing. We both need to win, as I mentioned before, so we’ll both give it our all. The audience will have a great time watching this game.
This summer, in Germany, there will be the UEFA European Championships, and you will probably be playing for Spain. Given that you have lived in Germany for more than three years, will it be particularly meaningful for you?
It will indeed be unique. Naturally, I hope to be called up, but if I am, we will get to play in the same venues where I often play during the Bundesliga season. Naturally, it will hold special meaning for me.
Why is watching your teammate Xavi Simons so thrilling?
A other player is Xavi. That’s what he’s demonstrated since coming. On the pitch, we click incredibly well, but he’s also a capable individual. He can finish as well as dribble, and his technique is superb. He’s a highly complete player, which makes him ideal for our system, style of play, and concept as well as the coach’s. He’s in great shape now, so this is incredibly beneficial.
Aside from goals and assists, what other contributions does Loïs Openda make to the team?
We have another player up there named him. He is obviously not very tall or large, but he is strong and swift. Ultimately, this can occasionally affect counterattacks. He is ideal for us since we are a forward-thinking team that never stops striving to play. That explains why he has scored so many goals thus far, and we anticipate that he will continue to do so. We will benefit from this.
Which aspects of you and Xavi are similar, and which ones are different?
Both of us like combining, dribbling, and finishing moves as players. He and I obviously have different features from one another. But when we’re on the pitch, we click incredibly well. Both of us always strive to play forward and participate as much as we can to support the team’s success. In the end, we all share the same aim, which is to enable the team to perform and succeed; we must continue in this direction.