Barcelona’s defence has not been the identical since Inigo Martinez’s departure, with the construction and high-line taking a major hit by way of effectivity.
Within the veteran’s absence, Pau Cubarsi has assumed management on the again. Whereas he is probably not excellent at 18 years of age, the teenager has certainly stepped as much as lead from the entrance.
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At this level within the season, the supervisor nonetheless doesn’t have a clear-cut preferential central defensive pairing, however what is evident is that Hansi Flick sees Cubarsi to be a de facto starter.
Cubarsi opens up
Chatting with the media earlier as we speak, the Barcelona teenager opened up on a plethora of subjects, totally on El Clasico and Barcelona’s probabilities on the night time.
First, nevertheless, he was requested his opinion on La Liga cancelling Barcelona’s sport in opposition to Villarreal in Miami, to which Cubarsi mentioned,
“We have been all considerably in opposition to travelling overseas. The Spanish League must be performed right here.”
He was then requested about a few of his teammates, primarily about Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo, and which of the 2 gamers he most popular taking part in with.
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“I really like taking part in with each of them, and I get together with them off the pitch as properly,” he started.
“Eric is distinguished by his means to convey the ball out from the again, whereas Ronald possesses super bodily power,” he added.
Elaborating on his partnership with Garcia and whether or not he himself most popular taking part in on the fitting or left facet of central defence, Cubarsi mentioned,
“Eric is a good teammate, and I performed with him within the Olympics. We’re all at a fantastic degree, and the essential factor is having competitors amongst us.”
“I don’t choose a particular facet, however the fitting facet is my pure place. Nevertheless, I’m able to play wherever to assist the crew,” he added.
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On final night time within the UEFA Champions League, he mentioned,
“What Fermin did in opposition to Olympiacos was superb. I’m so completely happy for him and for my teammates. We’re completely happy as a result of the membership trusts us.”
Ideas on El Clasico
The subject of the interview then shifted to El Clasico, with the participant first requested what the important thing to defeating Actual Madrid was.
“Sticking to our philosophy. Final 12 months, it labored for us. Now the groups have advanced, and we have to alter some small particulars that may permit us to be higher.”
Cubarsi vs Mbappe incoming this weekend. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
When requested if Barcelona can inflict a heavy defeat on Actual Madrid this season as they did so many occasions final time period, the participant humbly mentioned,
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“We focus solely on delivering a great match and securing the three factors. We need to be on the prime as a result of that offers us a bonus.”
“The followers love La Manita [five goals scored], however we take issues calmly. We need to rating many objectives and preserve our clear sheet,” he added.
Kylian Mbappe enters the sport in nice type, and the defender was requested how he deliberate to cease the French goalscoring monster.
“Everybody is aware of who Mbappe is. Now we have to be alert to him and to all Actual Madrid gamers, as they’re world-class.”
“If we alter some particulars, issues can go properly. Now we have to cease him in the easiest way doable, however a very powerful factor is to deal with ourselves,” he added.
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{The teenager} was then requested if Barcelona may use the excessive defensive position in opposition to Actual Madrid this time round, particularly given the way it has not fairly gone to plan to this point this season, to which he mentioned,
“Final season, we delivered a fantastic match. This season, like each season, the groups have advanced, and so have we. We should be cautious of their deep actions, as they’re what can damage us.”
He additionally insisted that Barcelona can’t be thought-about much less favorite than final season, regardless of the distinction in each groups’ type.
“Deep down, we don’t really feel that method. Will probably be a fantastic match, and the followers will certainly get pleasure from it. The important thing lies in sacrifice and teamwork.”
Lastly, the participant was requested his greatest reminiscence from final season’s Clasicos, to which he mentioned,
“The whole lot went properly; we achieved 4 victories, all of which have been essential. I feel I maintain the 5-2 consequence within the Tremendous Cup as my greatest reminiscence.”
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