Ingrid Syrstad Engen (Melhus, Norway, 1998) changed the cold and dark Wolfsburg for the sunny and warm Barcelona in the summer of 2021. She is passionate about coffee and confesses that she spends the little free time she has left discovering new cafes in Barcelona After a season of adaptation, this year he has achieved his best version, which has earned him the renewal with the Barcelona club until 2025. He hopes to prove it today in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
Is it difficult to adapt to Barça's game?
It took me longer than I expected when I signed up. I spent several months trying to understand what they wanted from me and what my role was in the team. At first you think a lot, you analyze everything and you get frustrated when things don't work out.
What helped her in this process?
I've worked hard, watched videos and had a lot of help from the coaches, but in the end you learn the fastest on the field. As I got more opportunities, it became easier for me to adapt. I gained more confidence towards the end of the season and progressed more this year.
What is it like to play with Aitana, Patri or Alexia?
Patri's intelligence and knowing where everyone is before even receiving the ball is incredible. Aitana is technical and Alexia is the complete package. Patri may not have the same recognition as the others and I don't know why. Because if you analyze the matches, you can see how important it is and the impact it has on the game. People should open their eyes with her.
Does it feel like it's growing alongside you?
It's amazing to be able to play with footballers like these and when you feel that the relationship on the pitch is good, it's great fun. I am enjoying football in a new way now that I can play confidently with them.
And when he was at his best, he got injured.
At first I thought it was coming at the worst time because I felt really good, but then you have to change the chip and focus on coming back even stronger than before, so that's what I did.
How are you now?
To be honest, really good, in the best physical shape I've ever been in and ready for what's to come.
Giráldez has made a lot of rotations this year. Do they feel they are better at this stage of the season?
It will be very important to have fresh players now. These weeks we are not having two or three games a week and that also helps, but I do think that the coaching staff is taking into account the rest to arrive with the energy we need. We have very good players who can come off the bench or start, we are very lucky.
Does the team arrive at their best?
I think so. I think we will be at a high physical level at the end of the season.
The first challenge: Chelsea.
It will be a great game against an opponent who is at a high level. They have kept the squad and they have great players who can hurt us a lot: there is Sam Kerr in good form, Guro Reiten, who I know a lot (from the national team), Pernille Harder is back...
Are there nerves?
I'm excited, but not nervous. There is a lot at stake and we want to reach the final. English football is growing a lot, but we hope to show that we are still the best.
And the return to the Camp Nou and with the probable return of Alexia.
It will be amazing. Whatever happens, we're ready. I think we all see the picture in our heads: Alexia back on the pitch. It's something super special and I get goosebumps thinking about it. I am looking forward to her return and will be very happy for her the day she passes.
He trains with her every day. How do you see her?
After such a long injury it may take time, but there is no doubt that he is doing everything he can to come back stronger. We have seen him work every day, how much effort he has put in, the desire he has to return to the highest level. There is no doubt that she will come back very strong.
He shares a dressing room with several Spanish internationals. How are you living the conflict you maintain with your Federation?
It's sad because I think everyone wants to see these players at the World Cup. I am saddened by the situation and I feel sorry for them. I think it's a personal decision, how you feel a situation like this can be resolved. We see examples like this around the world and what you hope for when female players try to give a message like this is that they are heard, because they are footballers who want the best for their national team. They want to play for their country, but they also want better conditions.
