Andreas Christensen talks Rashford, Yamal, Flick, his future, atmosphere at St James’ Park ahead of Barcelona vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

After a rather good start to the 2025-26 season, FC Barcelona are going to play another important game tonight as they face Newcastle United in the opening game of their UEFA Champions League campaign.

The Blaugranes will be particularly driven to win this competition this time around, especially as they came quite close to winning it last season, and were eliminated only in extra time in the semi-final stage.

As is the custom before UCL games, a Blaugrana player also addressed the press alongside Hansi Flick yesterday. This time, it was the defender Andreas Christensen who took the responsibility of facing the journalists’ questions.

The main highlights from his presser are as follows:

The Danish defender made it clear that the team will have to keep up with the pace in the UCL:

“We are in the Champions League and there will be a lot of speed. It’s something we have to be ready for. The atmosphere will be a big part of the game. It’s one of the best I’ve experienced.”

Christensen reiterated his decision to stay at the Blaugrana club in this presser:

“I made it clear to the club in the summer that I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to come back well. Last year was difficult for me. I came back a little earlier in preseason to be ready. I hope to stay. I think it depends on my performance. I want to stay here, that’s the plan I have.”

The center-back was not fazed by the competition at the center-back position, and ensured his main aim was to remain ready for whenever the coach needs him:

“We are all playing well. You have to be ready for when the coach needs us.”

After having suffered from physical problems for the entirety of the last season, the Danish defender was feeling better now:

“I feel very good right now. Last season, there was a lot of overload. I feel good, and the physios are working well with me. They take great care of us. Coming back to the team in good shape is good for me, and I’m ready to work and fight.”

Christensen was also clear that he and the team should not let the pressure of the crowd get to their heads:

“We mustn’t overthink it. It’s an important part of the game, but behind every action, they’ll push hard. We have to handle it. It’s been part of our preparation. It’s a tough stadium, and we’ll need to stay calm. We have to play our game.”

The defender admitted that winning the UCL is one of the goals for Barcelona:

“Every season is special in the Champions League. Last year, we almost reached the final. People are very hungry to get to the final. It’s a goal for us. We are pushing for it. It hurt. It was the last minute of the match.”

The Dane also talked about how he is getting along well with his new teammate, Marcus Rashford:

“I speak English, and it’s easy to connect with him. He is bringing quality and has settled into the team well. He needs to show his quality. He’s becoming more familiar with the system. He’s been very good for the group. We have a young group, and he can connect with them. It’s great to have Marcus’s qualities.”

Christensen was not really sure whether he would start against Newcastle United:

“You have to ask Hansi. I hope so, but we’re all ready when called upon. I hope so, but I have no idea.”

The Danish defender admitted that the team will miss a player as decisive as Lamine Yamal:

“A player like Lamine is made for these matches. We’ll miss him. He’s doing great and lives for these moments. We were hoping to have him.”

The center-back also gave his opinion on the characteristic high line adopted by Barcelona:

While it is not yet clear whether he will start, Andreas Christensen could turn out to be a useful player for Barcelona in this game, especially keeping in view his Premier League experience.