Dani Olmo Hails Rodri’s Impact at Barcelona: ‘We Didn’t Have a Player With That Profile’
Dani Olmo believes Barcelona have gained a completely different dimension since Rodri arrived at the club, with the midfielder bringing qualities the team previously lacked.
A sizeable group of Barcelona players are currently with Spain ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, with Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or candidacy continuing to dominate much of the conversation.
However, Olmo also addressed several other topics during an interview, including Rodri’s influence, Barcelona’s impressive start to the season, Spain’s World Cup triumph and the controversy surrounding the midfielder.
Olmo Explains What Rodri Brings to Barcelona
Asked what Rodri has added since joining Barcelona, Olmo immediately highlighted the midfielder’s experience, positioning and ability to provide balance.
“I don’t think much has changed, but Rodri is a player who gives you something different, that experience, the positional play, and that balance that he’s always given us in the national team and that he also gives to his club.”
Olmo also believes Rodri brings a personality and profile that Barcelona did not previously have in their squad.
“He has that personality that perhaps we didn’t have a player with that profile before, so I think Rodri will help us a lot, and he’s already doing that.”
The Barcelona forward expects the midfielder to play an important role as the club attempts to compete for every major trophy.
“He’s a player who will add a lot to us in order to win all the titles.”
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Olmo Addresses Rodri Controversy
Olmo was also asked about the controversy involving Rodri after footage emerged of the midfielder making inappropriate remarks about Valencia before subsequently apologising.
The Barcelona player suggested that Rodri had already addressed the situation and that the matter should move forward.
“I think Rodri already said what he needed to say; they were unfortunate words, and he himself expressed that, and that was the end of it.”
At the same time, Olmo acknowledged that footballers have to understand the scrutiny that comes with their position.
“We have to be aware that eyes will always be on us, and we need to be careful on this front regarding what we say and what we don’t say, because in the end, we’re considered a role model for everyone.”
Barcelona’s Start Has Impressed Olmo
Olmo is also pleased with his own form and the way Barcelona have begun the campaign.
The midfielder said he feels physically and mentally comfortable and believes the squad returned from the World Cup in excellent condition.
“I feel like I’m in very good shape and very comfortable, with good feelings. We’ve all come back really well after the World Cup, refreshed, and we’ve had a few days of rest.”
Barcelona have backed that feeling up on the pitch, winning their first seven La Liga matches before also beginning their Champions League campaign with a victory.
Olmo wants that momentum to continue after the international break.
“I think the team is at a very high level, and we’re proving that, seven wins out of seven in the league, and also the win in the Champions League.”
“That’s what we want to keep doing after the break, to keep on winning.”
Olmo Keeps Out of Real Madrid Controversy
Olmo was also asked about the controversy surrounding Real Madrid’s derby defeat and whether he believed the club had been treated unfairly.
The Barcelona midfielder chose not to get involved, insisting his focus remains on his own team.
“Controversial moments will always happen in football matches, and I just see it as a fan.”
He added that Barcelona are concentrating on what they can control.
“We’re focusing on ourselves and on continuing to win, which is the only thing we can do.”
For Olmo, results remain the most important thing.
“I think with us there wasn’t much fuss because we’re winning, and that’s the only thing that matters to us, winning, and we talk inside the field.”
Olmo Reflects on Spain’s World Cup Triumph
The Barcelona star also looked back on Spain’s historic World Cup triumph and admitted that the squad may still not fully understand the magnitude of what it achieved.
“What we’ve achieved is something huge, and we must appreciate it, and we already do appreciate it, because it’s impossible not to appreciate something like this.”
Olmo believes the significance of the achievement will become even clearer with time.
“I think we’re still not fully aware of the magnitude of what we’ve achieved, and it’s something we’ll appreciate even more as time goes by.”
For him, the memories will remain for the rest of his life.
And one person in particular refuses to let him forget his new status.
“My father is one of the people who always reminds me that I’m a world champion. Sometimes on an ordinary day, he’ll say to me, ‘Good morning, world champion,’ and I’ll say to him, ‘Good morning, Dad.’”
With Barcelona flying domestically, Rodri settling into the squad and Spain returning to competitive action, Olmo now has plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the months ahead.
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