Dani Olmo: "Return to Barça? You never know, but I'm very happy right now"
The Spanish midfielder spoke to SPORT as he prepares for the upcoming matches against Germany and Ukraine
You left Barça young and have carved out a great route to the elite.
I knew what I wanted to be when I left Croatia. This winter I took a step forward by signing for Leipzig, in Germany. I'm very happy in the city and at the club. The season has gone really well, in the Champions League too, but we want to do even more.
Do you think you'll play in the Euros and the Olympic Games next summer?
I'd like to as playing at this level is the best. It's the maximum. If I can, of course, I'd like to play in both tournaments.
How did you feel after Bayern beat Barça 8-2?
We knew that Bayern were a very strong, offensively brutal, side. Although Barça are Barça, so we thought they'd make it more difficult. In the end it was an unexpected result but when a team doesn't play well or isn't at the same level as its rival, no prisoners are taken. The same happened to us against PSG.
"I can't imagine Barça without Messi, it'd be a shame"
Can you imagine Barça without Leo Messi?
No, I can't. Leo has spent his entire life at Barça and it would be a shame if he left. He's one of the best players in the world. I don't know what will happen.
Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati, Adama, yourself...La Masia looks like it is still working.
La Masia will always be one of the best academies in the world. You're seeing that in the first team there too. Ansu has stepped up, Riqui Puig is playing more too. I'm happy for them and wish them the best.
Do you still believe that the doors are never closed on a Barça return?
I'm happy at Leipzig. I've been here for six months and I'm focused on my club and the national team. You never know what could happen in the future but for now I'm focused on what I have.
"Everything felt strange at first in Leipzig"
Do you feel the change to playing more centrally has helped your development, as you were a winger at Barça?
I feel really good in any position. Behind the striker, on the wing, at the number nine. The coach knows this. I'll give my all.
Was it difficult adjusting to Nagelsmann's methods at Leipzig?
At the beginning it was strange with so much movement because I'm used to juego de posición. Now that I'm fully part of the team, I know the players better. I've also learnt other things which will help me with the national team too, like breaking the lines and escaping from my marker.
Would he be a good coach for Real Madrid?
He's a good coach for us. I'm happy that he's at Leipzig and we want to do great things with this team.
How does it feel playing in empty stadiums?
It's a little strange and, although we've got used to it now, the supporters are the essence of football.
