Dani Olmo: 'I can reach an even better version of myself' as Barça star hits stride
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder opens up about his current form, playing without Pedri, and his relationship with Flick ahead of Champions League clash with Copenhagen.
Barcelona midfielder finding his rhythm but believes his ceiling is even higher as Champions League duties call
Dani Olmo is finally hitting his stride at Barcelona, but the Spanish international believes fans haven’t seen his best version yet. Fresh off scoring and assisting in Barça’s recent league victory over Oviedo, the midfielder spoke candidly before Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Copenhagen.
Champions League ambitions
Despite Barcelona having already qualified for the knockout stages, Olmo made it clear the team has unfinished business in Europe’s premier competition.
“We’re approaching the match with the same desire. We’re qualified, but we want to be among the top 8, and that’s the objective,” Olmo explained, emphasizing that winning remains the priority regardless of performance aesthetics.
Adapting to positional changes
With injuries to key midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, Olmo has been asked to play different roles in Hansi Flick’s system. The versatile midfielder appears comfortable with the adjustments.
“I feel most comfortable as a number 10, moving between the lines and the centre-backs,” Olmo admitted, “but I have no problem adapting to another position, deeper in midfield.”
On his relationship with Flick, Olmo revealed: “He asks me to control the game, receive more balls and make the team play. I’m happy to participate more in those positions because you have more contact with the ball.”
January form and future ambitions
When asked if this has been his best month in a Barcelona shirt, Olmo remained humble yet ambitious.
“I’m happy and satisfied, but I can still bring out a better version of myself. I’ve had more continuity, but I still think I can improve in many aspects,” he reflected.
“The best part of the season is yet to come, and I want to keep training at my maximum, continue contributing, winning and bringing joy to the fans.”
La Masia pride
Despite being a relatively recent arrival at the club, Olmo spoke with reverence about Barcelona’s academy products currently in the first team.
“It’s a unique moment. When you look back and see the photos or the titles you win, having so many people from the academy has even more merit,” he noted, highlighting the special connection academy graduates feel representing the club.
Olmo also had kind words for young teammate Lamine Yamal after his spectacular goal, while cheekily adding: “Nobody’s talking about the pass, eh?” before laughing.
Barcelona face Copenhagen on Wednesday knowing a win would strengthen their position in the race for a top-8 finish in the Champions League group stage.