Laia Aleixandri: “Sometimes I think: I'll leave and come back tomorrow.”

Laia Aleixandri (Santa Coloma de Gramanet, 25/August/2000) is having a busy summer. She signed for Barcelona , ​​then got married, and is now playing in her second European Championship.

And the honeymoon?

There's something planned, but it won't be this summer because we're pretty tight on the schedule. But it will happen in the future, for sure. I'm in a good place. Things have come together that make me very happy, like the signing, the wedding, and this special challenge of the European Championship, which is a top stage in the world.

Fans have grown accustomed to seeing Spain fighting for titles. Can they be expected to win?

In the end, we set high standards . We're coming off the back of being world champions two years ago , and we're doing well. I think the expectation and what people expect of us is logical. Of course, the feeling inside is a little different. We always work to win, and this time is no different. You have to play and coexist with pressure, especially because we're very demanding of ourselves. Demand and pressure are part of this team's identity.

When you join the national team, there's a double or even triple demand. You're constantly thinking about performing and recovering. That takes a lot out of you. Laia Aleixandri Defender of Spain and Barça

You made your debut in May 2019. You've been in the senior team for six years now.

Six already! I'd never thought about it before. There have been good things, bad things, and incredible experiences. In the end, everything has turned out for the better, and that's positive. If I look back, I can see my evolution reflected in the national team. It's beautiful: I've been growing in the senior team while the national team has been growing. It's a joyful journey because you only have to look at how we were at the last European Championship and how we are now. And that's beautiful to experience from within.

Now that you're talking about changes, has it ever happened to you like it did to Aitana, who didn't enjoy being on the national team and wanted to go back home?

Something similar. Here we're away from home and our routine. When you come here, there's double or even triple the demands. That means you're constantly connected and hard to disconnect. It takes a lot more effort. People who only watch the games don't know that. But here, there's maximum demand when we train and play. You're constantly thinking about performance and recovery. That takes a lot out of you, and even more so if you're away from your surroundings. Sometimes you think, "I'll leave and come back tomorrow."

You work with a psychologist, how do you manage the demands?

Basically, I work with goals. But the important thing isn't the goals themselves, but how you achieve them. That way, you can focus your efforts, what you're focusing on improving, and where you can push yourself further. Many high-level athletes work this way: we focus on mini-goals and then have the ambition to achieve the bigger goals.

The World Cup? At no point did I wish them ill or for the team to lose. It was tough on an individual level, but exciting as a team. Laia Aleixandri Defender of Spain and Barça

Were you able to watch the 2023 World Cup? You wanted to play, but the previous coach didn't select you.

It was difficult. I declared myself available, but I had a hamstring injury in the last three months , so I was coming in with no rhythm, so I could imagine it. But thinking about it is different from when it becomes a reality. It was a tough summer; I took advantage of it to travel a lot with my partner. There were games I was able to watch and others I wasn't. On a personal level, it was difficult, but on a group level, it was a dream come true for this team. They are teammates with whom I've shared a lot, and at no point did I wish ill on them or for the team to lose. I was super happy that they were able to lift the World Cup.

Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Aitana, Patri Guijarro, Pina, and you were runners-up in the U-20 World Cup. It hasn't gone badly for you, has it?

We've been very lucky to be together. It's a fantastic generation. We've been playing together for so many years that we understand each other very well. It's a privilege.

And now also at Barça .

Just imagining it makes me love it. Not only because it's the club of my life, but because it comes with sharing the locker room and pushing myself with these players. That makes you better, grow, and be among the best in the world.

Will it be easy or difficult to live up to expectations?

It's easy because we understand each other very well and because I always say that when you play with great players, they make you better. But at the same time, it's difficult because you can't lower your performance level. These women have been at the top for many years, and they have my complete admiration because it's not easy to win year after year.

We're coming off a world championship and we're doing well. I think the hype and expectations of us are justified." Laia Aleixandri Defender of Spain and Barça

How did it feel to put on the Barça shirt after eight years?

Phew, I'm getting goosebumps. I can't explain it, I'm in shock. Until I see myself training and playing, it won't be real. I've visualized it, but I still can't believe it.

Ona Batlle returned first. And Olmo, Eric Garcia, Cesc, Piqué... Is there an inner calling that compels them to want to return?

Yes, Barça is something unique and different. I don't believe any footballer doesn't think when they leave: 'I hope I come back one day.' I'm sure it happens to everyone. Once you experience La Masia and the style of play, you fall in love. At least I did personally. Whether you come up through the youth academy and make a name for yourself or go abroad and come back, those are two difficult paths. But yes, who doesn't think about coming back, being here, and succeeding at home?

You're turning 25, and you've been a Barça member for 25 years. How do you explain that?

Let's see, my family is very much fans of Barça. As soon as I was born, my father sent my aunt to make me a member. I had a membership card before I had an ID. Coincidentally, I'm signing with Barça this year. A wonderful coincidence.

Barça is something unique and different. I don't believe any footballer doesn't think when they leave: 'I hope I come back one day.'" Laia Aleixandri Defender of Spain and Barça

Even Barça's defenses play on the attack. Would you rather score a goal or prevent one?

I prefer to avoid it. But it's true that I'm an unusual defender because I like to be very involved in the attacking phase. I'm advanced, involved, but I prefer to stop one.

So, win 1-0 or 5-4?

I prefer a 1-0 and a clean sheet, to be honest.

"I'd rather avoid a goal than score one. I'd also rather win 1-0 and keep a clean sheet than lose 5-4." Laia Aleixandri Defender of Spain and Barça

What do you consider more important, getting the ball out or being quick in one-on-one situations?

Oh, there are so many things, I couldn't say just one. Women's football is evolving a lot. The players are much smarter, faster, and more physical. A defense must have forcefulness, positional intelligence, and it's very positive if you have a good outlet.