Christensen admits Barcelona will miss key superstar vs Newcastle – ‘Made for these games’ | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to kickstart their Champions League campaign on Thursday as they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Heading into this highly enticing contest, former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen addressed the media in the pre-match press conference.

The Danish international talked about playing in the Champions League and growing competition within the Barcelona squad, among other things.

What Christensen said ahead of Newcastle game

Firstly, Christensen talked about Newcastle as an opposition and how Barcelona must get used to a higher pace of Champions League football.

“We’re in the Champions League, and there’s going to be a lot of speed. Newcastle are a great team. We have to be ready for that. The atmosphere will be a big part of the game. It’s one of the best I’ve ever experienced,” Christensen said.

“Every season is special in this competition. Last year, we almost reached the final. People are really hungry to reach the final. It’s a goal for us. We’re pushing for it. It hurt. It was the last minute of the game,” he added.

The defender was notably asked about Barcelona’s busy summer and speculation linking him with a move away from Catalonia.

The defender revealed that he never had any intention of leaving Barça. “I made it clear to the club in the summer that I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to come back fit,” he said.

“Last year was difficult for me. I came back a little early in pre-season 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,” he added.

Christensen is a candidate to start vs Newcastle. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Christensen also talked about internal competition in the Barcelona squad, with Hansi Flick facing quite the selection dilemma heading into this encounter.

“We’re all playing well. We have to be ready for when the coach needs us,” he said, offering a rather coy response.

“I don’t know if I’ll be a starter. I’ll ask Hansi now. I hope so. I’m prepared in case I am. I hope so. But I have no idea,” he added.

It must be noted that the Dane is playing for Barcelona again after a long injury absence. He has, in fact, established himself as a reliable option for Flick.

“I feel very good. Last season, there was a lot of overload. I feel good, and the physios are working well with me. They’re taking great care of us. Returning to the team in good shape is good for me, and I’m ready to work and fight,” he said.

The former Gladbach defender also talked about Lamine Yamal, who is set to miss this game due to injury, much to the disappointment of opposition coach Eddie Howe.

“A player like Lamine is made for these games. We’ll miss him. He’s been doing brilliantly and lives for these moments. We were hoping to have him,” he said.

No Lamine vs Newcastle. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Talking about the prospect of playing at St. James’ Park and the atmosphere over there, the defender said, “We don’t have to think about it. It’s an important part of the game, but behind every move, they’re going to put pressure on.

“We have to manage it. It’s been part of our preparation. It’s a difficult stadium and we’ll have to stay calm. We have to play our game.”

Christensen talked about some of his teammates as well, including new signing Marcus Rashford. He admitted that being able to speak English helps him connect with the Englishman.

“Speaking English makes it easy to connect with him. He’s bringing quality and has fitted in well. He needs to prove it. He’s becoming more familiar with the system. He’s been very good for the group. We have a young group, and he can relate to them,” he said.

Finally, the Barcelona defender talked about his expectations for the UCL this season.

“I think there’s always pressure when we play. It’s good to feel it and for people to want it. But we already put it on ourselves.

“Hopefully, this year we’ll go further than last year. I don’t feel any more pressure. There’s hunger. We’re always under pressure. We’re facing a great opportunity,” he concluded.

Source: AS