Planes, the current Jeddah United Sports Director who was formerly a sports director of Barcelona, accepted an exclusive interview with the newspaper Marca and talked about the situation of his old club.
Yamar surprised you?
"As a sports director, no matter which club I work in, I am used to paying close attention to youth training. I will watch the youth team and youth team games, which is something I am passionate about. During my tenure at Barcelona, I watched many games in Yamal. He is different and a selected genius. I think the wisdom he has in football is different from others."
Are you worried about the public opinion from the outside world? Did Yamal invite you to his birthday party?
"We just need to pay attention to his performance on the big stage, he has proved his strength. However, it is very important to consolidate and protect him. The key is not how high he can reach, but whether he can continue to develop and maintain a high level. I believe that if the surrounding environment allows, he can create an era. He did not invite me to a birthday party (laughs), but I think that the birthday party shows the fearlessness and confidence of a new generation of players, and his performance on the court is the same, and bringing this attitude to life to the green field."
Are you surprised or expected about Barcelona's performance last season?
"This generation of players is excellent and we should be sure of Koeman's contribution. Frankly, I have high expectations for this generation. I remember we discussed this situation. After Lisbon's crushing defeat to Bayern, things changed. Since then, with Koeman coming, we have to give him a fair evaluation because he did the job in very complex and difficult situations. I saw a generation of players rising and later joined a like Yamal Players, if Barcelona trusts them, the future will be full of hope. Now, this generation of players continues to get opportunities, and I see a team that dares to fight and is full of ambition. In the face of opponents like Real Madrid, we must maintain great respect because they can always show pride commensurate with history. This is a wonderful league, the two teams have different tactics, but they both have many players with both talent and talent. "
How do you view Real Madrid now?
"The end of each cycle is not easy and needs to be handled properly. Real Madrid has experienced this situation at different stages. I think they are now at the end of a brilliant cycle. Benzema, Modric, Kroos and other players are representatives of this period. Mbappe's arrival has indeed contributed in terms of data and goals, but I think the team still needs to be adjusted. People who analyze the lineup must know which positions need to be improved. I believe it is only a matter of time. The team needs to gradually get started, understand and implement the coach's philosophy. The new coach has clear ideas. In such an environment where you must win, he can lead the team to success."
As a sports director, how do you view Nico Williams' transfer incident?
"This is not the first time this has happened in my 25-year career as a sports director. Sometimes a player seems to be almost sure to sign, and even both sides have 'confession' to each other, but in the end something happened. Everyone has their own reasons and motivations. I think Barcelona really needs a striker who can provide more deep rotations, and Nico is the perfect choice. But at the same time, I believe everyone understands that this deal is not easy to reach."
Do you have any unfinished things in Spain?
"I am still full of enthusiasm, even more so than at the beginning. Football is my life, and obviously any project that attracts me, especially one with a clear plan behind it, will interest me, especially after this experience in Saudi Arabia. People always like to be in a place that they have been and are familiar with, where you can achieve important success. I have achieved some achievements in Spain and won leagues and cups, but what I want to say is that I like challenges. If there is a challenge that will inspire my passion, I will accept it."
source:7m livescore 2in1