Former Barcelona player: Barcelona is lucky to have Yamal. Even if Barcelona loses, I will still enjoy the process.

In an interview, Barcelona’s old player Asensi talked about the showdown between his old club Barcelona and Elche, Yamal and other topics.

Talking about Elche

I am very happy that Elche can play against Barcelona. I made my debut at Elche when I was 17, and it happened to be at Barcelona, ​​so those emotions are still going on. I'm very grateful.

Let’s start with Elche. What do you think of their performance this season?

Very good. I was surprised by how well it started. It's important to get points in the first round because by the second round, people are more engaged and a lot of things are up in the air.

What do you think of this brave style of play that the club is instilling?

Elche must be brave in Barcelona. If you're not brave, you can't do anything, in football or in life. Edel Sarabia is proving to be a great coach. Does he play risky football? Yes, you have to take risks to win.

I see that you like Saravia very much?

I support those coaches who think clearly, who say: "I go to Madrid, I go to Barcelona, ​​wherever I go, I will bring my weapons to fight for something." This has always been the rule for players. It was the same mentality when I was in Elche. You must be brave. I think Eder knows what he has, he knows the players and he can take risks.

How do you recall the duel between Elche and Barcelona in your time? You mentioned your debut, but your last league game with Elche was against Barcelona in Artaves...

We won 1-0 and it was me who scored. I remember Rife, who later became my team-mate, asking me to handball. I control the ball using the connection between my chest and shoulders, which is my collarbone. When I was down, I took a shot and it went in.

How do weak teams cope with this kind of away trip?

We know it's going to be difficult, but we also know we're playing in a great stadium and can enjoy the perfect surface. We go out there to have fun and with the expectation of an upset. You try your best, compete, and fight. You know Barcelona have the best signings in Europe and the world and you go out there with this doubt... We have to give it our all or we will get nothing.

What does Barcelona mean to you?

Well, my second home, or in other words, my home. Barcelona gave me everything, friendships, people who still love me very much, and titles... Now I am president of the Barça Association of Elders and people recognize you, say hello and thank you...

And what about Elche?

I enjoyed a lot there because we were all friends and when someone leaves, you miss them. Elche is my mother, where I was born, spent my youth, took my first steps in youth football and then entered the professional world. I spent three years with the first team and was selected for the senior national team... I will never forget that. Elche and Barcelona are two cities that I will never forget in my life.

What do you think of Barcelona after losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid raised questions? Is this a good thing or a bad thing for Elche?

I think this would be a bad thing. They will try their best and Elche will have to be very vigilant because they will want to avenge their defeat after losing these two games. Is it Elche’s turn? Well, Elche might give them a threat. Only towards the end of the game can you see the difference between the teams. Then we will see whether Elche is inferior or better.

Can Pedri's absence narrow the gap between the two sides?

Yes, this can significantly reduce the gap. Pedri is the flag of Barcelona. The composure he brings to the team is unparalleled. He reminds me of Marcial Pina, maybe they are not similar, but when I play with him in the midfield, it is an honor and I enjoy it very much. He controls the team, he can use his right foot, his left foot, his header... he can do it all. Pedri was the same, just in a different era.

What about Yamal?

Barcelona is lucky to have him. I used to go to games and when I left, my head told me that Barcelona had won, but my heart told me that I didn’t enjoy it. Now you enjoy it. The kid is fantastic, but there are others, Kubasi at the back, the young guys in the midfield... they make me enjoy football. Now, I'm back home and even if Barcelona draw or even lose, I still have that happy feeling.

What do you think of the criticism caused by his remarks before the El Clasico?

All Yamal has to do is not talk to anyone. You stay in the hotel and that's the end of it because everyone has an opinion. We never talked about our opponents in those days because the only thing you could do was motivate them. From a professional perspective, the best thing to do is not comment on anything before the game and talk about it after the game.

Finally, how is your life now?

I'm fine. As I said, I am now president of the Association of Elders of Barcelona, ​​a group of more than a thousand companions. We do things for all of them and train on Tuesdays and Fridays. I feel like I'm still a player, just an elder... And I'm always watching what I love, football. So I'm in great shape.

Can you predict Sunday's score?

I can't predict, because these are my two pet peeves and I can't do it. The only thing I hope is that people enjoy the game and no players get injured. I'm sure people will be satisfied because Elche will give a great performance, they will face Barcelona and we will enjoy a great game.