Liga Arabia Saud: Yannick Carrasco, with Marca: “if I hadn’t changed, after six months I would have had to leave Atletico del Cholo”

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (Ixelles, Belgium, 1993) He played seven seasons at Atletico Madrid, spread over two phases (2015-18 and 2020-23). Now, from 23-24, he is the number 10 of the Saudi Arabian youth, who receives at his training camp a brand. Carrasco is only 31 years old.

Ask your question. What was I missing most about the Atlantic Ocean?

The answer. I lived there for many years and made many connections. What I miss the most is the friendships I made.

S. I spent several seasons with sholo, what did I learn more from him?

A: Above all, learn to work, suffer on the defensive side and commit with the team.

P. Can To say that without sholo he would not be the player he is now?

A. You never know. From other coaches he learned how to attack and score goals… But M shulu made me grow a lot as a person and as a team player, to learn how to think about the group before myself.

S. Vendolo with perspective, do you think Atletico is a different club?

A. Atletico is a very family club, which makes you feel good from the first day and the suffering of every match with the fans and the knowledge that with Atletico anything can happen unite you a lot with the fans.

S. Which player will be brought from Atletico tomorrow?

A. Lemar , because I created a lot of friendship with him. Another one I had and who for a great group is Lucas Hernandez, along with Josema Jimenez, is a great leader and plays with heart. One of these players is always wanted.

S. Do you really think Atletico can win the Liga or the Champions League this season?

A.Buttonhole. I wish him the best and I hope it’s the Champions League because it’s the title that this club is missing. I have played seven years, OH, Almost 300 matches and Atletico is like my home. I have lived good moments and also difficult moments, which make you grow and this is in my heart and will not come out anymore.

S. What do you think about Joao Felix and his recent departure from Atletico?

A: he is a very talented player… But sometimes in football this is not the only important thing, discipline and concentration are also important. Atletico is not an easy team, because a lot of efforts are required and not only talent is worth it. This with Cholo, Joao was a bit difficult but he always finds other notable teams where he succeeds. I think that MS will grow in the future.

S. What do you think was Joao’s problem at Atletico then?

A. I think his attitude was good but it didn’t fit the concept that the master asked for and all the offensive players just want to attack, not defend. Ah it could be that Joao didn’t have the defensive concept enough that Beda Simeone. In football sometimes you can be the best in the world in one system and then not be good for another, because it doesn’t suit your style of play. I think it was a difficult moment for Joao at Athletic, but he also gave great matches because he has a lot of talent. It also happened to me when I was little. I come from menaco and when I arrived at Atletico del Cholo, it took me some time to adapt. I was a substitute several games until my new status won me. I had to change the chip in my career and there are players who find it difficult to do this. I was lucky that my head clicked and changed, because if it hadn’t been for that, I would have had to leave after six months.

Q: then he came to Arabia. How are you doing here?

A: here we foreigners are obliged to show the level that we have shown in Europe. If not, you are of no use to this league. No one should be confused, because this league is very demanding.

P. What Is Saudi Arabia attracted to you by Saud?

A: I have already visited China and every experience brings you something positive. When you come to this kind of event, you see that football is not limited to the top fifteen teams in Europe, but there are other facts. That’s why, when you come back to Atletico, after being in China, you come back with more values and more respect for things from day to day. And here in Arabia it’s my turn to help with every experience I have in Europe.