Milla: "This Barcelona is more solid and direct than that of Guardiola"

The Clásico is back in the Liga BBVA and will be one of the most important days on the calendar. On October 25 at 18:00 the world will come to a standstill as everyone turns their gaze to the city of Madrid and the Santiago Bernabéu, where the stars of world football are due to clash in one of the most eagerly-awaited matches of the year. An ex-player of both teams, who has first-hand experience of this fixture, gave LFP.es an exclusive interview to discuss the game: Luis Milla.

LFP.es: One of the high points of each season is coming around again, the Clásico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. How do you see the match?
Luis Milla: As always, very tight. They are the highlights of the season, the ones that the people and the press are waiting for. Madrid started a little slowly, but now they have momentum and are looking very strong. For their part, Barcelona have shown that they have changed, they are a team that used to concede a lot of goals and they are yet to concede. Perhaps they are not as brilliant as Josep Guardiola's Barcelona, but it is a more solid team.

"I think that the match will be attractive; there will be spells, moments, and we'll have to see what the coaches do" 

LFP.es: You know what it is like to represent both sides and what it means to the clubs and their fans. What is it like to experience a Clásico from the inside?
Luis Milla: They are very intense because of the importance of the match and everything that goes on around it. Throughout the week the people and the press follow the team closely and the players have to be able to stay calm. At this level, the players are normally relaxed and as ready as possible for the match.

LFP.es: Luis Suárez could play his debut for Barcelona in this match. Do you think it is a good time to do so?
Luis Milla: He is going to be focused, aware and raring to go, but his fitness is a different matter. He has just come from playing an international, but he will not have the form and continuity of his teammates or the Real Madrid players, or the spark required for this match. We'll have to see if he starts or when he comes on. He will be an important player this season, but I'm not sure if it is the right time for such a demanding match.

LFP.es: Do you think Luis Enrique is capable of equalling Barcelona's golden era of recent years?
Luis Milla: That's very difficult to do. We'll only really come to see what Guardiola did with Barcelona as time passes by and, above all, how he did it. A lot of things had to come together. They found a great team, the way they played was extraordinary and they also won titles, which is why there are so many expectations of this Barcelona. What is certain is that they have a lot of personality, and that is thanks to the manager. There are two very clear characteristics: they are very solid and defence and more direct than in Guardiola's era.

"It is very good for the health of the league to have teams that can fight with Real Madrid and Barcelona"

LFP.es: Real Madrid have lost two key players this season, however, the new ones seem to be adapting well to the team...
Luis Milla: I think that's normal, especially when you come off the back of an unusual preseason, from winning the UEFA Champions League and from playing in a FIFA World Cup, and you can't work as you would like. Young people come in who are new and skilful, and you have to adapt. That cost the team, but now they are showing their potential in the midfield and up front. They are extraordinarily powerful. I think that the match will be attractive; there will be spells, moments, and we'll have to see what the coaches do.

LFP.es: Who do you think could make the difference in this match?
Luis Milla: The season has just started and we can already see which teams are doing well, what they want and the style their coach is imparting. We said that Barcelona want to stay solid at the back, and they are doing a very good job of it as they are unbeaten, which is significant. And then we have a Madrid who want to have more control of the game, possession, but they can also move. Based on those ideas, and on the way the teams move, there are individuals and that is what will make the difference.

"Based on the team and on its style and concepts, individuals could make the difference"

LFP.es: Titles are the premise of these clubs, but since last season there have been new contenders, how do you see the competition?
Luis Milla: I think that it is very good for the health of the league to have teams that can fight with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Sevilla FC are in European competition, Atlético Madrid are in European competition and Valencia CF are not. That makes them a powerful enemy, who are also showing that they know what they are doing, the coach knows what he wants and the players have picked up on his ideas straight away. You can see the harmony in the team.