Jordi Alba talks about recent Barca coaches, his relationship with Xavi, Pique’s departure, his future, salary reduction, winning titles, and his playing time in his recent interview with Marca.
Jordi Alba on recent Barca coaches:
“Luis Enrique is a leader. Valverde is a calm man, and tactically very good. Setién is a person who likes to have the ball with a very good game idea. Koeman is a terrific coach and a club legend and then Xavi is a very methodical coach.”
Jordi Alba on his relationship with Xavi:
“Well, being your teammate is not the same as being the coach, but the good vibes are always there. At the same time, it is clear that the situation does change a bit from when you are a teammate to a coach, but the relationship is good.”
Jordi Alba on his diet:
“In the past, I used to eat a lot of stupid things and when you’re older you take care of yourself even more. As the years go by, you take more care of yourself in terms of nutrition and physiotherapy. There is a nutritionist at the club and I also have a private nutritionist who has helped me a lot.”
Jordi Alba on winning titles:
“When we were winning a lot of titles we didn’t really value it, and when we stopped winning we realized how difficult it is to win a title. We saw it as something normal, but it’s not.”
Jordi Alba on fulfilling his contract:
“Of course, I will complete the remaining year of my contract; If they ask me to lower my salary, I will do it. It’s true that I’m not playing every single minute, but when I do play I try to give my best. And when I don’t play, I try to help my teammates from the bench. It’s something new for me, but I’m happy with this role. I like to give advice to my teammates and help them.”
Jordi Alba on his playing time:
“It is a coach’s decision. The coach does not give explanations. I dedicate myself to training, to being good, to playing the games in the best possible way, and then the coach decides. I’m pretty good at it.”
Jordi Alba on salary reduction:
“I have a year left on my contract, and if necessary, I’m willing to reduce my salary. It’s the club’s decision, and I’ve always helped when they’ve asked me to do so.”
Jordi Alba on winning Super Cup:
“It was a turning point. Winning against the arch-rivals motivates us even more. It was a good final, we were superior and we deserved the title. Winning the Super Cup gave the team confidence, especially the young players because it was their 1st title.”
Jordi Alba on winning La Liga:
“From my experience, I tell you that there is a lot left in the League, that Madrid will push hard until the end and it will be very difficult. It is a considerable distance, but we cannot relax. It is in our hands to win it.”
Jordi Alba on Gavi:
He’s a beast. He’s great, with his intensity he brings a lot to the team. He’s a kid, but with incredible maturity. He still has a lot to learn, but he will be a very important player for Barca and the Spanish national team.”
Jordi Alba on Pique’s departure:
“It hurt me because he was a fundamental player for the team and in the dressing room he was a very happy person who gave the team a lot of life. His absence is noticeable in all aspects.”
