Barcelona execituve looking forward to Espanyol derby: ‘Games that don’t really need extra motivation’ | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to return to action after the Christmas break this weekend and will be welcomed back to action with a challenging fixture.

As it stands, the Catalans are the sole leaders in La Liga and boast of a four-point lead over Real Madrid. The first game of 2026, however, is against Espanyol in the Catalan derby.

Barcelona’s local rivals are having a great season so far and are fifth in the league standings. Given the high tensions in games between the two Catalan outfits in recent times, one can expect yet another high-octane clash.

Bojan’s thoughts

Speaking to the media (h/t SPORT), Barcelona football co-ordinator Bojan Krkic commended the team for the moment they were in and gave his thoughts on the Catalan derby coming up.

“The team is doing a very good job, very positive. A very solid base is being consolidated, with players who are constantly growing, young players who are also helping us.”

“This season, the truth is that the start did not start very well, but I keep the reaction that the team has had,” he added on the team’s form.

Bojan Krkic with Deco. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He then dived into the topic of the first game of 2026, which will be against Espanyol and a massive occasion.

“We have to focus on enjoying it on the pitch, competing on the grass, and winning on the grass.”

“These are games that don’t really need extra motivation,” he added.

Finally, Krkic was asked what he dreamt as Barcelona’s objective for 2026, to which he said,

“That the Barcelona fans really feel pride and admiration for the players. That’s when they come to the stadium, they feel identified with what they transmit.”

“[The team] is working very well in all situations. I’m a Barça fan and I’m giving everything to make it possible. Just like me, a lot of people who make Barça bigger every day,” he added.