Olmo: El Clasico is a bit tense, but in the national team we are a big family

In an exclusive interview with "World Sports News", Spanish attacker Olmo talked about some of the team's current situation, his own position and other topics.

On this year's last international match day, two key games will determine whether the team can qualify for next year's World Cup

- Our goal is to win these two games. Mathematically speaking we are not yet guaranteed qualification, so our goal is to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup.

You are a very important player in the national team. In fact, you are already one of the captains, even though you are only 27 years old. At this age you're already a veteran - sort of, I do feel like I'm an important player. This is a great team and we have built a family with a lot of trust in each other. This is also the key to our success.

Whether it is in the national team or the club, competition is very fierce. How do you feel? What did de la Fuente say to you? Or what does he expect from his midfielders?

- Ultimately, competition is good, whether for club or national team, it pushes us to reach the highest level in training and competition. After all, the best players in Spain are gathered here. There are many players from Barcelona and competition is always welcome.

You have always had a close relationship with head coach De La Fuente. What did he say to you? What is expected of you?

- We have known each other for many years and have had the privilege of working together and winning several honours, including in the senior national team. He wants me to perform well for the national team as well as for the club, to stay confident and always give my best.

You mentioned before that the national team is like a big family. This was the first training camp after El Clasico and there was some tension between Yamal and Carvajal at the end of that game. Have you discussed this issue?

- To be honest, we didn't discuss it much. Those games are always fierce and can be said to be a bit explosive. But now we are all focused on the task of the national team, which is to secure qualification for the World Cup.

Everything remains on the court. Is it a different atmosphere in the national team?

- It was just one game and we will meet again later, but in the national team we are a big family.

In this training camp, as well as in recent times, there has been some friction between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Association. As players, especially coming from Barcelona, ​​how do you feel about these tensions being caught in the middle?

- I think internally we didn't feel a lot of nerves. Ultimately, both club and country want to find the best solution for the players and I don't see any problems.

So this doesn’t bother you?

——No worries, everyone has a good relationship and has always been like this. Both parties hope that the players can get the best care. If Yamal is not in good condition and cannot participate in the national team competition, that is no problem. Yamal is important for Barcelona and the national team and we need him at his best.

This has happened before, even to you in your last draft. But it seems that when it comes to Barcelona players, there will be more noise

- indeed, there is always a lot of talk about Barcelona. But as I said, that's not a concern for us and we don't feel the same tension that's perceived by the outside world. Internally, everything is normal and everyone is thinking about the players.

You're back on the pitch, and although it's not your most natural position, it's a position you've played with Leipzig and for the national team, in a more inside midfield position. How do you feel?

- Feeling good, comfortable, more involved in the delivery of the ball, especially with De Jong in the last game, it's a position I feel comfortable in. Both De La Fuente and Flick know that I can contribute in those positions, whether it's the No. 8, a little bit further back, or the No. 10 or higher up. I've been blessed to play in multiple positions and feel comfortable in each position.

This versatility is an added value, right? Whether at Barcelona or with the national team, it gives you more playing time

- Yes, I would say that's true. I feel comfortable in any offensive position and always strive to give my all and help the team win.