Barcelona midfielder Gavi has hit out at his critics ahead of the match against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old has often been stereotyped as a physical player rather than a skilled one, but the Spaniard has finally had his say on his doubters.
In a pre-match press conference, he said: “A lot of people think I don’t know how to play football. They have no f***ing idea. That’s the truth, but I get it, it’s football. Everyone thinks what they want to think, so it’s OK.”
The young Blaugrana star missed the early part of the season due to a serious ACL injury suffered in late 2023. Since his return in November, Gavi has made 29 appearances and scored three goals, gradually working his way back into form.
Under manager Hansi Flick, Gavi has been deployed in various midfield roles. While he admits he’s not yet back to his best, the midfielder admits he is grateful for the German coach’s trust and guidance.
“There’s a great understanding with Flick,” Gavi added. “He understands I am coming back from a long injury layoff. It’s not easy after one year out, but he’s shown a lot of faith in me. I am really happy to have him as the coach.
🔵🔴 Gavi: “A lot of people think I don’t know how to play football, but they don’t have a f**king clue”.
“I'm 100% fit since I've returned. It's another matter whether I'm more comfortable in some games than in others. I'm calm and happy with my performance”. pic.twitter.com/vO5JpA7QaI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 8, 2025
“He’s playing me in a lot of positions and that can improve my game, both on a base level and also in attack. I will become more complete as a player, which can only be a good thing.
“A lot of appearances have come as a No. 10, but he knows I can also play in a double pivot or as the No. 6. I am improving every day and it’s even better for me that I am able to fulfil those different roles.
“It’s true that I’m not having such an important role as in other seasons, but that’s normal after I came back from a long injury. I am very happy with the recovery I’ve made and if you told me I would have this season when I got back from injury, I would have taken that.”
Barca face Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday with the Catalans still eyeing a treble under Flick’s leadership — they’ve secured a Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and currently top LaLiga by four points
But Gavi is trying to take things one game at a time and refused to get carried away when it comes to his season aspiration.
Gavi added: “We are having a spectacular season, but we don’t feel invincible. You can’t always win in football. We have to be humble in every game, remember where we’re coming from and keep our feet on the ground. There are still a lot of games to go.
