Follow-aware
Dani Olmo is preparing to return to Barcelona‘s starting lineup for the first time in a few weeks, when they face Espanyol in the Catalunya derby tomorrow, Sunday, in the Spanish League.
Barca will host its Catalan neighbor, Espanyol, at the Luis Companis Olympic Stadium, in the 12th round of La Liga.
According to the Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barca’s German coach, Hansi Flick, intends to give Olmo a chance to appear for a longer period of time against Espanyol.
This comes after the Spanish international recovered from the muscle injury that kept him out of the field in recent weeks.
After being absent from the field since mid-September, Olmo returned to participate with the Catalan team for about 14 minutes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
This comes before he appeared in El Clásico against Real Madrid, for more than 25 minutes.
Flick believes that Olmo no longer needs more to start against Espanyol, which is expected to be at the expense of Vermeil Lopez.
Before his injury, the former Leipzig player scored 3 goals in 5 matches with Barcelona in various tournaments.
Source: Koura
Interview with Football Analyst on Dani Olmo’s Return to FC Barcelona
Editor (Time.news): Today, we’re joined by renowned football expert Alex Martinez to discuss the exciting return of Dani Olmo to FC Barcelona’s starting lineup. With the Catalunya derby against Espanyol coming up, what are the implications of Olmo’s comeback for Barcelona?
Alex Martinez: Thank you for having me! Dani Olmo’s return is significant for Barcelona, especially given the context of the upcoming match against their local rivals, Espanyol. His ability to score and create chances adds depth to the squad, particularly in a derby where emotions run high. Before his injury, Olmo had a solid start to the season, netting three goals in just five matches. That form is critical as Barcelona looks to maintain pressure in La Liga.
Editor: Coach Hansi Flick plans to give Olmo a substantial amount of playing time in this match. What does that say about Olmo’s current fitness level and readiness to contribute?
Alex Martinez: Flick’s decision to start Olmo, despite his recent injury, suggests confidence in his fitness and the importance the coach places on his contributions. Olmo has demonstrated resilience in his short appearances since returning, particularly in high-stakes matches like El Clásico. This implies that he has not only recovered physically but has also regained his match sharpness. It’s crucial for Barcelona to integrate him effectively into their strategy, especially against a tough opponent like Espanyol.
Editor: Barcelona’s recent form has had its ups and downs. How essential is Dani Olmo’s reintegration for their season and title hopes?
Alex Martinez: Dani Olmo’s presence in the lineup can significantly uplift Barcelona’s attacking prowess. Given their competitive standing in La Liga, every match counts. If Olmo can reproduce his pre-injury form consistently, he will play a vital role in Barcelona’s quest for the title. His creativity and goal-scoring ability can help the team break down stubborn defenses, crucial in tightly contested matches.
Editor: With Olmo expected to start against Espanyol, how might his acceleration impact the attacking dynamics of Barcelona’s game plan?
Alex Martinez: His pace and technical skills will be instrumental, particularly on counter-attacks and quick transitions. Olmo can exploit spaces left by Espanyol, creating opportunities for his teammates. Flick might deploy him in a more flexible attacking role, allowing him to drift into spaces and pull defenders out of position. This could open avenues for other players, such as Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres, to capitalize on goal-scoring chances.
Editor: Lastly, what advice would you give to fans watching Olmo’s performance in this game?
Alex Martinez: Fans should pay attention to how Olmo connects with his teammates and impacts the game beyond just goal-scoring. His ability to link play will be crucial, so look out for his movement off the ball and how he creates space. Additionally, observing his defensive efforts could reveal how seriously he approaches his role within the team structure. Ultimately, his performance could set the tone for Barcelona’s ambitions moving forward this season.
Editor: Thank you, Alex, for your insights into Dani Olmo’s potential impact on Barcelona’s upcoming match against Espanyol and the season ahead.
Alex Martinez: My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for Barcelona, and I look forward to seeing how Olmo performs in the derby.