Cuca: Yerry Mina will be at Barcelona for a decade

Cuca was the coach who made Yerry Mina a champions with Palmeiras in 2016 and only has praise for the Colombian defender, whom he thinks will succeed at Barcelona.

Yerry Mina says you're the best coach he's ever had.

Yes? haha, he's just a very good person. I spoke with him after his transfer to Barcelona was confirmed and he was very happy.

What did he say?

That he was anxious, he told me the only thing he wants is to play, to play and to play.

Do you think he'll fit in quickly?

And how! Yerry is a very happy person and an extrovert. He will bring music to the dressing room, he's always smiling.

Will he succeed at Barca?

I'm convined he will succeed, for his play, not his character. Mina will be at Barcelona for 10 years I think. He's gone to a great club, with great players beside him. You know who he reminds me of?

Who?

Gabriel Jesus, who I had too. He went to Man City and quickly became important in his new team. Mina will be like Gabriel Jesus.

How is he on the pitch?

He's two metres tall and jumps a lot to head away corners. At dead balls he will be great for Barcelona. He'll score between 10 and 12 days, I'm sure.

They say bringing out the ball is his strong point...

Yes, he has a great right foot that lets him dribble out with the ball under control. He will fit Barcelona's scheme perfectly because with Sergio Busquets in the team, always allows a centre back to push up with the ball. Yerry Mina can do it with quality and strength.

Is Yerry Mina fast or slow?

Look, he's much faster than you expect for his physique. Over 10 metres ot that fast, but he is over 30 metres. And he knows how to correct errors very well.

Any points to improve on?

I think that he has to be more selective when he comes out with the ball. To go out less but with more quality. They will teach him that at Barcelona.

Did you think he would end up at Barcelona?

From the start. It's a great operation for both sides. Palmeiras negotiated brilliantly and Barcelona have a great player.

And Real Madrid?

Not Madrid, not PSG. If they don't cross paths before, the Champions League final will be between Barcelona and Man City.