Dos Santos: "The coach has been key in my decision to stay"

Posted Saturday, August 17, 2013 by Marca.com

Dos Santos:

Jonathan Dos Santos has admitted that the change in coach at Barcelona has been fundamental in his decision to finally remain a further season at the club.

"I was really made up when the coach told me he wanted me to stay. The fact that Gerardo Martino said that and that he trusts me have been key in me wanting to stay. I hope I have a better season than the last one", Dos Santos told a press conference.
"I hope to get more playing time than last year and prove what I can do as a player as well as help the team as much as I can", he added.

The Mexican looked back philosophically on last season and the fact that he did not get many chances to perform under Tito Vilanova. "Since I was a kid I dreamt of being lucky enough to be at Barça and do well here. Sometimes things don't go your way and that is when you have to mature as a player. It was a year won, not lost and I hope to get more time on the pitch this season. But nobody is going to give me anything on a plate. I will have to earn it", he concluded.

On asked about Real Madrid and the rivalry with his club for the league title Dos Santos remained calm. "We do not have to think about Real Madrid. It is a great side that has signed some good players, but we have to worry about ourselves. What is certain is it will be another year of huge rivalry".