Gordon wants to pass less and score more for Barcelona

“I have to be more selfish, pass the ball less and score more,” Gordon says. Selected by Barcelona to speak before its match against Aston Villa on matchday four of the Champions League league phase, the winger also discussed adapting to the team and the progress he still expects from himself.

The England international believes he has yet to show his best. He says he must keep improving to reach that level and rates his own start at “a 7 or 7.5”. “I started very well, considering the change of club, country and team,” he says, while acknowledging that settling in will take time. “When I’m settled, you’ll see the best of me. You haven’t seen it yet.”

Gordon sees a particular challenge in Aston Villa. The club sit ninth in the Premier League on 12 points after nine matches, with three wins, three draws and three defeats, having scored 10 goals and conceded 13. They are nevertheless unbeaten in their last five league games, with three wins and two draws.

The winger says he knows the opposition, having faced them several times, and expects a “challenge”. He points to the quality of the team and its coach, as well as its current good form. He also makes clear that facing an English club does not give him extra motivation.

His target for improvement is clear: “I demand goals and assists from myself, and want to be the player who changes the course of a game. I can do more, be more selfish and pass the ball less. I have to try to dribble more and score more.” He says he wants to compete for titles and describes consistency as one of football’s—and life’s—major challenges.

Gordon also says he is still learning his teammates’ movements after three months of adapting to their habits. He says the group has made him feel welcome and singles out the English-speaking players, including Éric, for helping him. Experiencing life outside England for the first time, he says he appreciates the warmth of the people and the welcome he has received. To find calm, he also turns to reading, walking and spending time in nature.