Ahead of the match against Real Madrid, Real Sociedad winger Barrenetxea gave AS an exclusive interview in which he discussed his views on Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Speaking of your next opponents, let's talk about Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. They already have strong squads, and now they've strengthened even further. What do you think of these players who have arrived in La Liga?

Well, I like it. I like that the best players are all at Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, or Atlético Madrid. Because when you play against them, you can measure your own level and see your true position. They put you in your place a bit.

I enjoy that feeling. Since childhood, we've dreamed of playing against the best players: against Messi, Ronaldo... Now I feel like the stars are returning to La Liga, so I'm very happy. Rodri also joined FC Barcelona, which is crazy.

Which of these two title contenders do you think is stronger?

I think FC Barcelona is stronger, but now with Mourinho, Real Madrid could change everything, so I'm not sure. But in principle, I'd say Barcelona.

Among the players who transferred to La Liga this summer, is there anyone in particular you're looking forward to playing against?

I think it's Rodri. I've already played with him in the national team, and FC Barcelona is a very good team.

A common question is: what's the best time to play against Real Madrid? Early season, mid-season, or late season?

Definitely never—it's best not to play them at all. However, I think they're in their worst physical condition at the start of the season and are most vulnerable to injuries then.

This is also Real Madrid's first home game of the season, but personally you've done quite well against them.

That's true, yes, I've performed very well. Actually, I believe they're the team I've scored the most goals against.

Does scoring a goal at the Bernabéu feel the same as in other stadiums?

Against a team like that, you definitely want to score more goals. I think everyone wants to score, and that includes me of course.

This time Mourinho will coach Real Madrid from the sideline. Do people expect to see a rivalry between you two?

No, no, that's impossible. I have great admiration for him.

You must have been very disappointed to miss the World Cup due to injury.

It was a real shame, especially not being able to finish the season because of the injury. I feel that since I was called up to the national team and came back from injury, my form is back to where it was at the start of the season. I feel very good and want to keep playing.

I didn't think too much about the World Cup back then, and I think that may have affected my performance, because in the end I played almost every minute of the remaining matches. It's a shame, but I'm also happy for them, because if I had gone, maybe they wouldn't have won...

Last season you scored a very important goal that paved the way for the Copa del Rey victory later.

Of course, football gives you something sometimes and takes something away other times. In the Copa del Rey final, it gave me something, and then it took away my World Cup dream. Ah...

We were just talking about how long this year will be with four competitions. Are there specific competitions you're looking forward to?

The Europa League always has its unique appeal, and La Liga is our daily focus. But this year we also have the added motivation of the Spanish Super Cup, where we travel to a distant location for just two matches to compete for the title against the league's top teams. That's definitely a rare opportunity, and we're very excited about the chance to add another trophy.

Übersetzt von KI.

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