The Brazilian analyzed the upcoming Elite Round of the Champions League in an interview with SPORT
“I’m having a hard time getting my rhythm back after the injury I had,” admits the Barça star
Pito arrived at Barça in the summer of 2021 as a signed star after breaking the mold first at ElPozo Murcia and then at Movistar Inter and his first season as a Barça player ended with spectacular trophies (Champions, League, Spanish Cup and Spanish Super Cup).
The Brazilian tries to recover the excellent level shown at the beginning of the course after a small muscle injury that caused him to lose his shape. And the added problem is that with such a tight schedule it’s almost impossible to recover due to the continuous succession of matches.
Like his peers, Pito is already in Croatia ahead of the Champions League Elite Round in which Barça will seek first place from the group to defend their European title in the Final Four, although to do so they will need to overcome Romania’s United Galati (Wednesday), Belgian powerhouse Sporting Anderlecht (Thursday) and Futsal hosts Pula (Saturday).
How are you in your second season at Barça?
Good. The truth is that in the preseason I felt very good, but I had an injury that sidelined me for three weeks and the truth is that now it takes me a while to get back into the rhythm. The important thing starts in January, especially now this round of the Champions League, which is essential to reach the Final Four. I think we’ll be fine.
Last season he won four titlesalmost as many in his entire career in Spain (five)…
I work a lot and I was very happy that I won so much. With this model it is a little easier, but we also work a lot every day to achieve this. When I arrived here there was a lot of pressure because they said we had to dominate and in the end we won four titles.
Pito conveyed his optimism to SPORT
| DAVID RAMIREZ
He is seen driving, but not constantly.
It’s kind of what I told you. I worked a lot during the holidays, I arrived very well and before leaving for the national team I was very strong. The problem is that there’s no time to recover, there are so many games and you have to go slowly. It is in my head that the best is yet to come and that I will be one hundred percent immediately.
Will we see the Big Dick any minute?
Yes, of course. He is my target. In the key moments I try to give my best and I hope to always be regular.
What do you ask Jesus Velasco? Because we both like to take risks…
Yes, it tells us a lot, that we must dare. It gives me all the freedom to bargain and play my game. He trusts everyone very much. He tells us that we must take risks, but with responsibility. You don’t have to be afraid and you have to have fun on the track.
What stage is the team at?
I think we’ve lowered the level a bit in the last few games, but that’s normal. We can’t play all season one hundred percent, but now we have to talk to each other. We have to be very focused on all three games, because it’s a very difficult draw, only one passes and we have to be in the Final Four no matter what.
Pito, in the last championship final against Palma
| JAVI FERRANDIZ
Sometimes it seems to lack intensity. Does it affect the fact that nearly all of the workforce is over 30?
It has nothing to do with it. In these last two or three matches we’ve dropped off a bit, but the excellent second half we’ve had shows that age has nothing to do with it. In Palma we commented in a time-out and half-time that we hadn’t been on the pitch and we know that all the teams will die with us, because theoretically we are the team to beat. We have to be included from the first minute, because that makes the difference.
Why is it difficult for them to score goals now?
That’s what I tell you. We weren’t at our best in the first half, we created chances but didn’t score because we weren’t fully involved. If we’re involved from the start and get 1-0 or 2-0, the game is much easier. We can’t slow down, especially now.
Is the team ready for qualification?
Yes. Here in the last two league games I’ve already told you that we haven’t been good, but when they start talking about the Champions League, he changes chips and it shows on everyone’s faces. We have to be inserted to the maximum, because there is no margin for error.
What was it like to win your first Champions League?
It’s a unique feeling. It could be compared to winning a World Cup, although sadly I haven’t done it yet. It must be a similar feeling. My whole family, my wife, my mother called me. I come from Chapecó, a small town and winning a Champions League, no matter how futsal it is, is the best club competition. I was very excited to win it.
Maybe for a non-European champion the Champions League is even more appreciated…
It’s possible. Champions is the host. I already have one and will carry it with me forever. Of course, this season I want the latter. There are many players who used to be crack and have dropped out with none. I’m already lucky.
Pito promises that his “magic” will be more regular
| DAVID RAMIREZ
Have you been watching your rivals a lot this round?
Yes, especially Anderlecht, we played against them last season and they changed their name, which used to be Halle-Gooik. It will be a very tough game and we are thinking above all of them, but first we have to play against the Romanians and we can’t let it go. We’re going to hit him hard and hopefully the three of us win.
When he was a cadet, Gréllo was already making a difference in Spain and at 37 he is still playing for Anderlecht…
Yes, when I arrived in Murcia they spoke highly of him. He was a star at the club, he has a lot of experience and last year he already hurt us. We are aware of all and will give our best version.
How do you appreciate that there are so many Brazilians in all the elite teams?
We know how important futsal is in Brazil, because as they say, there are Brazilians in all countries and in almost all teams. Many who don’t see this clearly in Brazil risk going abroad and it is very nice for us to have so many compatriots there. When the opponent has the Brazilians we already know that we have to be careful, but we will take care of ourselves and pass.
What will be the key to going to the Final Four?
We have to be one hundred percent involved and united as a team just like last season. It was crucial and still needs to be. We have a large squad and sometimes some are not happy because they play less, but we all have to give our contribution.
