Ales Garcia: I will work hard to return to the national team; Pedri is the key to Barcelona

Hupu September 25th Alex Garcia ushered in his second season in Germany. With the lineup updated and unprecedented demands, the midfielder is preparing for a new challenge. In an interview, he talked about Leverkusen and Barcelona, ​​and also explained that his goal is to return to the Spanish national team and participate in the World Cup.

Leverkusen's goal this season?

stay at the top level and strive to compete for all championships. It's hard because Bayern is very strong, but that's football, nothing is possible. We have a great team and we know it's hard, but there are always surprises. We are a young and dynamic team with the plan to go as far as possible in all events.

All players receive a large number of quotes every year. How to deal with this situation in the locker room?

This is football. I often say that our players are like star cards and will be traded back and forth. We have so many young talents and experienced players, it is normal for someone to leave. We focus on competition and allow new players to quickly integrate.

West Ham United said they were interested in you

did have some interest and some conversations, but it didn't end up because the timing was wrong. For me, the Champions League is the key, I have put in a lot of effort, and participating in the Champions League is the most important thing. Leverkusen and the Champions League are the priority options, I am very satisfied with the status quo, so there is nothing at the moment, I am very good here.

Your career path is not common. You have been to the Belgium and Romanian leagues and then suddenly jumped to La Liga...

This is the learning process. I didn't do some things well at that time, which made me go to those leagues. IMHO, I realized the problem and made changes, those tough years that allowed me to enjoy football at a big German club and be selected for the national team, which was unthinkable five or six years ago.

What have you changed specifically to make a leap?

Details in daily life: Get up early, wash your face, have a good breakfast, and go to train without getting stuck. I improved my diet, rest, recover, and worked with a physiotherapist. All in all, to be more professional, I never doubted my football level, but those minor problems distracted me and after correcting them, I could enjoy the present.

Do you want to become a coach or athletic director in the future?

The coaching career attracted me, and I studied under some great coaches. Despite this, I cannot get a license in Germany due to language issues, so I will wait until I return to Spain. Now I like the idea, but maybe by the age of 35 I will get tired of it and don’t want to care about anything. Let's see it then, but I'm interested in it.

You were out of the national team roster in May

I was very looking forward to it at that time. I was on the list almost every time before. I wasn't selected, but now I'm back and I want to win a World Cup spot for myself. The midfielder is full of talent, but Drafuenter understands my game characteristics and I think I meet his requirements. The final decision is in his hands, and no matter what the result is, I will accept it with great respect.

There are rumors that connecting you to Barcelona

is nothing substantial, my agent and Deco did have some conversations, but I myself have no conversations with anyone in Barcelona, ​​nor have I received any official offer. I know there was an interest, but I also think that the transfer was complicated considering the situation the club was in at the time. So I always say that the end is not successful because there is actually no real substantive interest.

Did you want to go at that time?

Yes, obviously Barcelona is one of the giants, and even the greatest club. It’s always a pleasure to hear that you’re interested, but eventually I stayed in Girona and we had a historic season.

What do you think of Barcelona this year?

Since Frick took office, Barcelona has had a very clear philosophy and is achieving results: high pressure, aggressiveness when off the ball, fast pace and compact formation, which I think are at a very high level.

As a midfielder, why is Pedri so critical?

For me, Pedri is the key to Barcelona because he gives the game meaning, speeds up or slows down the pace when needed, and improves teammates’ performance. He is at an incredible level, allowing Barcelona's offense to run smoothly. The coaching staff’s tactical work reinforces this, but Pedri can make a difference.

How do you view the outbreak of Yamal?

In addition to his talented conditions, I was impressed by the way he was under pressure. He was looked at with a magnifying glass, but once he stepped onto the lawn he forgot everything and played well. I enjoy watching him play football in the national team, he is so crazy. He needs to be protected, step by step, but every game proves to be demanding on him because he is very good.

Then now, look forward to your own future

My current focus is Leverkusen and compete with all in the Champions League. If one day there is a quote that really improves my status quo and keeps me growing, we will calmly evaluate it. At the same time, I worked hard to be the main force, win the championship here, and strive to be selected for the national team.