Sergio Busquets discusses the present and future

Sergio Busquets was the guest on Wednesday night’s Tu Diras radio show on RAC 1, and here’s a selection of quotes from the interview. 

Personal feelings

“I’m proud to be one of the captains. I’ve supported Barça since a child and have played under great captains like Víctor, Puyol, Xavi, Andrés, Leo…”

“I’ve never been quick, but when the team isn’t getting things right we all suffer. But my fitness is fine.”

Youngsters

“Competition is always good. If they are local players, so much the better, because we save money. If not, we bring them in from elsewhere.”

“Pedri has surprised me most. The others were in the youth system but he wasn’t. He came to the club and acts as if he’s known everything all along. His ideas, his positioning, the way he controls the field. And he is always ready to work hard.”

The Xavi effect

“He’s worked hard, especially early on. It wasn’t easy because a lot of players didn’t understand his ideas and he’s had to work hard to get things to improve.”

“He has changed a lot and brought in his own staff. I think he learned a lot under Pep. We veterans try to help him, but not just with the idea and not just with Xavi, we always have done to make sure the young players come through adapt properly.”

Title chances 

“La Liga and the Europa League are difficult but in the Europa League we are on the same level as the others because it’s knockout while the league is about points.”

“We still have our hopes in the league, but all we can do is win and hope. We are on good form and have the right mentality to at least make sure we have a chance.”

The road ahead

“I think we have the finances to make some decent signings to complement what is already a well-planned squad.”

“Xavi’s idea and the tranquillity conveyed by the president and his board means we’re on the right track.”

Personal future

“I can still help and still have one more year on my contract. I know that I’m 33. I hope I can go to the World Cup, but we’ll have to see how the next few months go.”

“I’d find it very hard to go elsewhere in Europe and play for a team that’s chasing the same things as Barça. I am too much of a Culer. I can only really see myself going to play in a different continent.”

“After retirement I would like to try coaching. I’ll get my licence and try to put together the right staff. I like to think that I’ll be offered the chance.”