Barcelona ace Dani Olmo reacts to Real Madrid’s summer spending spree: ‘We are not worried’
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Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has made it clear that the club is not losing sleep over Real Madrid’s activity in the transfer market.
While Los Blancos have assembled a series of high-profile signings ahead of the new season, the Spanish international insists confidence remains high inside the Barcelona camp.
AdvertisementAdvertisementSpeaking to SPORT during Spain’s World Cup camp, Olmo discussed Real Madrid’s recruitment drive, Marc Cucurella’s surprise switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, the importance of Lamine Yamal and the arrival of Anthony Gordon at Barcelona.
Olmo responds to Real Madrid’s transfer spree
Real Madrid have strengthened significantly in recent months, adding several established stars to Jose Mourinho’s squad.
The arrivals of Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Cucurella have generated considerable excitement among Madrid supporters and concern among some rivals.
However, Olmo does not believe Barcelona have any reason to be intimidated.
When asked whether Real Madrid’s signings make opponents nervous, the midfielder responded,
“It’s only natural that, after two years without a title, they’d strengthen their squad.
Olmo is not worried about Real Madrid’s spending spree. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
“They’re world-class players, but we’re not worried. We’ve made a great signing in Gordon, and we’re happy.”
Olmo specifically highlighted Anthony Gordon, whose arrival is viewed as a significant boost for the team’s attacking options. Speaking about the English winger, he added,
“He’ll bring dynamism to the team and defensive work. He raises the standard.”
Olmo reacts to Cucurella’s move
One of the biggest surprises of the summer was Cucurella’s decision to join Real Madrid despite being linked with several clubs, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Olmo admitted the transfer caught many people off guard, including members of the Spanish national team setup.
“We didn’t expect it. He’d been thinking about it; if that’s what he wanted, I’m happy for him because he’s my friend.
“Now he’s going to have to face the rigours of La Liga – and so will we. He’ll have to contend with Lamine, for example.”
Relationship with Lamine Yamal
Olmo has a great relationship with Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
That mention naturally led to questions about Lamine Yamal, who remains one of the most important players for both Barcelona and Spain despite his young age.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“He’s fine; whether he plays depends on the manager and on him. He’ll be a great help to us. He’s a player we need for the whole tournament, and we’re delighted he’s at his best.”
The midfielder also highlighted the strong understanding that has developed between them after several seasons together at club level.
“We’ve played together for two years at club level. We know we can get the most out of each other naturally. We need to make the most of that with the national team as well.”
Lastly, when asked about ongoing speculation linking Barcelona with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, the midfielder carefully avoided entering the discussion.
“Well, talking about players who are still at another club…”
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
