Olga Carmona: "This is a new era. There were many things happening with the national team, but it's in the past."

A new era has begun with Sonia Bermúdez at the helm. How's it going in the locker room?

Right now, we're very happy. I think we're very happy. The atmosphere is great. I think Soni comes with great energy, eager to contribute, and we're happy with her. We're working very hard because we're off to a strong start.

You've only been working with her for a short time, but have you noticed a difference compared to the previous coach?

Well, in the end, we have a very distinct style of play. We're Spanish, and our essence won't change, but every coach has their own tastes. Next day, we'll see what we've prepared, the things we've improved, and the things Sonia has added her personal touch to. We're, as I said, very happy. Some very important players have returned, and we're happy to be here.

How are you seeing Jenni Hermoso now that she's back?

I think they're very happy to be here. It's the highest we aspire to, to represent our national team around the world, and I think they're eager to contribute. They're doing so, and, as I said, they're very happy that the best players are here.

Mapi León hadn't played for the national team in three years. The other day, at the first training session, she couldn't stop smiling.

I see them very, very happy to be back. I think it's a very positive thing. I was just talking to Mapi the other day in training about our last game being that Euro 2022, if I remember correctly, in England, where we lost to England, and I remember playing with Mapi. So, we were talking about it anecdotally, that it had been a long time since we played together. We'll meet again, and I'm sure she'll come to contribute and add something, like we all do.

After everything that happened with Montse Tomé and the controversy with Jenni Hermoso, has the change of coach influenced the atmosphere?

Well, in the end, we're talking about a new era. What happened in the past... A lot has happened, there's been a lot of talk, but it's all in the past, right? We're focused on the present. We have a title at stake, which is the important thing, and, as I said, all the players are very happy to be here. We're very excited, and we're starting this new era with the semifinals. I think we shouldn't lose focus on that.

Rafael Louzán has been president of the RFEF for a few months. Has his arrival been noticed?

Above all, we've improved communication. Louzán is very close to us; he comes and visits us every now and then. He already did so at this training camp. That's appreciated, feeling the president's support up close. Also with the addition of Reyes [Bellver, director of women's football at the RFEF] and María Pry [sports coordinator of the women's national teams]. The truth is that we're doing very well, we're very well looked after, we just have to focus on playing football, which is ultimately why we came, and we're very happy. That ultimately benefits everything: performance, the team atmosphere, and everyone's comfort. And, for now, we can really talk about football calmly.

The conditions for female players have also changed a lot in recent years.

I haven't been here my whole life, I'm quite young, but I think the more experienced players have experienced it firsthand. Things have obviously changed, they've evolved. We have all the resources at our disposal, we've expanded the physiotherapy team, the food is top-notch. Everything. Logistically, everything is very convenient. All that professionalism that surrounds us means we can still perform better and be happy, which is what we all ultimately seek when we come to represent Spain.

It's been two years since that goal that made us world champions in Sydney. How do you remember it?

It's a game that, to be honest, I don't remember much about. I've been asked about that moment a million times, but that's all. I remember the play by heart; it's etched in my head, and I think it's a moment I'll never, ever forget.

How do you feel about seeing him again?

It's like reliving it all over again. It's a moment that makes you happy. But well, that's all behind us now. Obviously, we're still world champions, at least until the next World Cup, which we hope to retain, but right now we have the Sweden game, which is going to be very difficult. In fact, if I remember correctly, it was a semi-final at the World Cup. I think it's going to be a high-level match, and we're preparing to arrive in the best possible condition.

What Sweden do they expect to find?

I don't know how they can approach it. Obviously, we've analyzed them; they're a very strong team. They have decisive players, Asllani and others up front, who have great speed and talent. So, we have to control their offensive transition well, and from there, play our game, impose ourselves, and win the match.

On a personal level, this is your first season at PSG and your first year outside of Spain. How have you been adapting to the French league?

The French league is different from the Spanish one; it's much more physical; I think you'll encounter many more duels. Defensively, it's quite demanding, and I think it's going to be good for me because I'm going to learn a lot and develop physically as well. I'm happy; I lead a very peaceful life. My teammates and the team have welcomed me very well, and I'm truly happy. Obviously, I'm still getting to know the team, the way we play, adapting, and getting to know the players I have to play with better. Above all, the important thing is that I'm happy. Everything's going well for me, and injuries are sparing me, so I'll keep going and grow.

You arrived injured. Did you have a harder time getting into the swing of things?

I finished the European Championship with a hamstring injury, but I did a phase of rehabilitation and also to get in shape, to prepare myself to start at full speed when it was time to join the team. The truth is that it was a tough few weeks, because you end up in a new place and can't join the team, but my teammates, from the very first minute, have welcomed me very well. They're very friendly, and I've been happy and growing.

Beyond football, a new language, a different culture... how are you handling it on a personal level?

The adjustment has been very good. Obviously, I've had to leave home for a few days, away from my family, but within the normal range, right? It's been very good and fast. I'm also taking French classes to learn; I already had a bit of basic knowledge from school, and I always try to speak; I'm not afraid, I think it's a very positive thing. The truth is, they generally understand me. I also have the opportunity to speak English with other classmates. Communication is excellent, and I practically understand everything related to the game and football, so it's going very well.

Communication is good, but... do you miss the food?

I miss the ham, the tortilla... but I can complain, eh, the food there, in France, and the food the club provides us, is very good too.

There were rumors about Alexia Putellas's possible arrival in Paris at the end of the transfer window...

Regarding that topic, I'm very respectful. I don't usually get involved because I understand it's a very personal matter. Obviously, I was delighted that Alexia shared a dressing room with me. I don't know if the rumors were true or not; Alexia will have to tell you that, but I wish it had happened. We'll see what happens in the future.

He left Real Madrid to sign for PSG, and fate would have it that they would meet again in the Champions League.

For me, it was a very special match. I reunited with all my teammates, the entire staff, people I care deeply about. Despite the defeat, on a personal and human level, it was a happy day to be reunited with them. Obviously, the result upset me, because no one likes to lose, but I think it was close. We also had our chances, especially in the second half, when we came out much better, but hey, in the end, this is football, and anything can happen.

There are still several matches left, albeit against tough opponents like Manchester United and Bayern Munich. How are you approaching this?

There are still games left, and we need to get points, because the first two weren't our best, and we couldn't get any points. We'll keep working hard to win in Europe and start scoring points.

She's the player with the most appearances in Real Madrid history and was the captain. Do you follow the Whites from Paris?

Yes, yes. I follow the Spanish League quite a bit in general because, after all, I have a lot of people I know, a lot of teammates and friends, and it's the league I've always played in, so I follow it. And obviously, my former team. Of course I follow it, all my teammates. I try to always watch them. We've seen a period of adaptation they've had, with the addition of Pau Quesada, but I think they're pretty good now, completely adapted. In the end, they needed a little time, and we'll see how the season continues, which I hope will be good, because I will always wish them the best.

It took Real Madrid a long time to secure their first victory against Barça. How do you deal with not finding the key to winning for so long?

The reality is that they're currently the reigning champions of practically everything. Every time we faced Barça, it was a challenge, because they're truly a great team. We've always tried to win with our weapons, and until last year, we couldn't achieve that. I think that barrier has been broken, and we'll see how El Clásico goes this year, which I'll be watching on TV.

Was it liberating?

Well, yes. Above all, the satisfaction of all the matches and all the adverse results you've had before, and all the work you've had to do to win, is always satisfying. Let's see how it goes this year. I wish them the best, I follow them, I watch them, and I wish them the best of luck.

What does Real Madrid need to close the gap on Barça?

The Real Madrid team is a very short-term project. I think it takes time. We're demanding a team that's already number one after only being around for a few years. I think the project they have will continue to evolve; it's Real Madrid, and no one doubts that. And we'll see how they evolve this year. As I said, when they face the reigning league champions, Barça, we'll all be watching on TV.