Dani Olmo: "We Approach Every Match as If It Were a Final"
The FC Barcelona international, one of the most experienced members of the Spanish squad despite being only 28 years old, was the player selected to speak to the media at the westdrift Manhattan Beach, Spain's team hotel during its second stay in California.
A key figure in Luis de la Fuente's plans, Dani Olmo analysed the team's current form before more than a hundred journalists, with much of the press conference focused on Friday's quarter-final against Belgium and the opportunity to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
On his role in the team
"Throughout my career I've always had to prove what I'm capable of. That's never been a problem for me. I set those standards for myself, and I'm happy to be helping the team on the pitch over these last few matches."
On playing as an attacking midfielder
"I enjoy that position because it allows me to combine more with my teammates, interpret spaces better, find areas where I can receive the ball and create chances for others. I feel comfortable there, and my teammates know they can rely on me."
On his understanding with Lamine Yamal
"He's doing well, growing in confidence and full of enthusiasm. We understand each other very well on the pitch, and I'm sure he's going to give us a lot."
On Spain's defensive strength
"We all attack and we all defend. The work of the defensive line and Unai's performances have been outstanding. It's a historic achievement, and we're all delighted with his clean-sheet record."
On the unity within the squad
"We're a team, and everyone feels important. We're all pulling together towards the same objective."
On confidence in the team's work
"We know what we're capable of. There are still aspects we want to refine and improve, and we want to show that in the next match by earning a place in the semi-finals."
On Spain's 35-match unbeaten run
"We approach every match as if it were a final. The coach always tells us that the most important game is the next one. Reaching that milestone makes us very happy, but we want to keep the run going for as long as possible—hopefully all the way beyond the final."
On his personal form
"I feel very good within the team, eager to keep playing and helping in any way I can. Our objective is to reach the final, and I feel one hundred per cent ready to contribute."
On Belgium
"Our focus is solely on the quarter-final. To reach the semi-finals, we'll have to beat a great team. Belgium are a very complete side. They have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Courtois, as well as world-class players in every area of the pitch."
On the team's ambition
"Having the opportunity to qualify for a World Cup semi-final means facing one of the biggest matches of my career. We're ready for it. Our goal is to win the World Cup, and to do that, we first have to overcome Belgium."