Exclusive Interview – Gai Assulin: “Barcelona are Favourites but City…”

Ahead of City’s blockbuster Champions League tie with Barcelona, I caught up with Gai Assulin, the Israeli international who has spent time at both clubs.

View From A Blue: You left Israel when you were young to join Barcelona. Was it a tough decision to leave your family and friends and move to another country?

Gai Assulin: It was really hard to leave my family but I knew it was a big opportunity for me to be successful so I didn’t think twice.

VFAB: We hear lots about La Masia and the Barcelona style of football, so what was it like to spend a few years there?

GA: It was an unbelievable experience to play there. I was inspired so much by the players because they were so skilful. I learnt a lot from having Pep Guardiola as a coach; he knows more about football than anyone.

VFAB: In Spain, clubs are allowed ‘B’ teams in lower divisions but that’s not something we have in England. Do you think the Spanish system – where you play every week in competitive leagues – is better than the reserve system in England?

GA: Yes, I think it’s something that is really important for players to progress and it gives them an opportunity to play professional football and experience real competition within football.

VFAB: When you left Barcelona in 2010, how did you feel? Angry? Excited to start at a new club? And what did you know about City?

GA: No, I had an offer from Manchester City when I left Barcelona and I thought it would be a good chance to mature and to show my quality as a player. I honestly didn’t know much about the club but I knew it was on the up. Now, I think it’s a massive club. I learnt a lot from some great players. Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to play a first team game, but it’s football; some managers would like me and some would not – I accept this.

VFAB: Did Roberto Mancini speak to you, or was he as distant from the players as the media reported?

GA: Mancini stayed away from the players. He never had any type of conversation with me, he never wanted me there and never gave me an opportunity.

VFAB: You suffered a couple of serious injuries both at Barcelona and City. What is it like to recover from those, knowing you will be out for many months?

GA: One of the worst things for a footballer is getting injured. It stopped me from playing at a really important time in my career but it’s a matter of luck sometimes so I hope I won’t have to go through it again. It’s always a great feeling to be back and I feel good every day knowing I am fit and no longer injured.

VFAB: Are you still in touch with any City players?

GA: Yes, I do speak to some players that I played with in the reserves, like Omar Elabdellaoui and Denis Suarez. Not a lot, but sometimes.

VFAB: Since leaving City, you have been at Racing Santander and you’re now on loan from Granada to Hercules. Are you enjoying playing every week?

GA: Yes, I am. I’m playing in a league which is very competitive and it’s really good for me to play week in week out to progress as a player whilst I am still young and improving my game.

VFAB: Would you like to return to English football in the future?

GA: Yes, sure! It’s a great country and I really like it there. Also, my girlfriend lives there.

VFAB: And finally, your prediction for the two games?

GA: I think Barcelona are favourites but City are really strong now and can surprise them. Both teams have some unbelievable players. It’s going to be a great game!

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