Denis Suárez: "I need to take advantage of this opportunity"

Denis Suarez was the man chosen to speak to the media before Barcelona begun their first training session since arriving in Portland, Oregon. Denis was clear and honest: "I know that I need to take a step forward," was what he said when asked about the team's situation following Andres Iniesta's departure from the club.

The Gallego said he felt good following the first few training sessions and is ready to prove himself with the senior team. "I'm heading into the season full of confidence. I'm desperate for this to be the definitive year for me and to be more involved than I have been in previous seasons. I feel like this year will be different. I hope to take advantage of gaps left by those who are no longer here."

Denis was also asked for his opinion on the imminent arrival of Malcom: "He's a very direct player, good one-on-one, a specialist on the wing and we don't have many of those in the squad. He'll be welcomed because he brings a lot to the team."

When he was asked about his own situation again, Denis mentioned that he'd had a private conversation with Ernesto Valverde about that. "I've spoken with him just like others have. My intention is to stay and his is that I stay here too. I'll try to convince him that I can play and I've given my absolute best in this preseason camp."

With Iniesta no longer at the club, now is the time for Denis to step up. "He asked me to take a step forward. I know what I need to give and I believe I'm capable of doing that. The loss of Andres is major blow but I hope to take advantage of his absence to play more often than I have before."

A lot of talk this summer has been about another midfielder joining the club with De Jong and Rabiot linked. "I don't know if more players who play in the same position as me need to arrive. It isn't my decision. And if they do come, they'll be more competition for places just like in other years."

On the new signings Arthur and Lenglet: "They have adapted well although it's true that it's taking Arthur a little longer because of the language barrier. He's also coming from a different type of football, he'll need to adapt. Lenglet comes here after being a starter for Sevilla and I'm sure he's going to help us a lot."

Denis was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's surprise move to Juventus. "It's a decision he's made. He was a very important player for the league and for Madrid, but he'll have his reasons."

There was also a question about Luis Enrique who was recently named as Spain's new coach. "It's a very good choice. He brought me back to Barcelona and I hope that I'll get enough minutes here that I could be picked for Spain. They haven't called me yet."

And lastly he was asked about the presence of the female team on the tour with the men. "It's positive that women's football is promoted in America. It's another positive aspect of what the club is doing."