FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona

There were contacts with Barça. Of course, but I also told my agents not to get too excited. I was very clear that Athletic were not going to let me leave if a club did not come and pay the €40 million of the termination clause.

The sporting department, led by director Deco, has identified two priorities for the summer - a new left-footed centre-back and a new top-quality centre-forward.

"It's not over yet. Nine points is good, but we have to finish it off. We can't go on with this attitude, I won't accept it. Until it's over, we have to play our best, and then, too. We're going to keep going like this, I hope we can show it on Tuesday."

"Madrid has played badly but has also suffered the consequences of a shameful refereeing. We're lucky to have many replays, and in every one you can see that the play is a clear penalty. A double penalty, even, because Victor Reis also tripped him with his leg."

"He's already one of the best in the world at that age. He's a special player, one we all enjoy watching every time he plays," said Cazorla.

Frenkie de Jong has taken a significant step forward in his recovery, training with the group for the second consecutive session. The Dutch midfielder is now pushing to be available for the upcoming Catalan derby against Espanyol, which is a development that could not have come at a better time.

"I think we can come back. I trust because we have Lamine Yamal, so I trust to turn it around."

Of course LaLiga is the basis, that's why you're playing in the Champions League. The dream for every player, club, fans, coaches is to win Champions League; to play in the Champions League. This is why we are here.

After the final whistle, the young defender took responsibility in a way that reflects his maturity. He shared images from the match on social media, accompanied by an apology to teammates and supporters.

I don't care about these things, it's this business, there's a lot of noise between us, but that's what I tell the team, we have to focus on ourselves and not on what Real Madrid does, we are in a good position and we have to win every game and only think about ourselves.

We consider this match important because it's a derby, because they are our eternal rivals, and because we are convinced we can win. I'm focused on what we want. What they think doesn't worry me too much.