Pau Cubarsi talks defensive mistakes, Gerard Martin and Flick praise after Levante 2-4 Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona came away from Levante with another important victory, but Pau Cubarsi was not interested in ignoring the uncomfortable moments that complicated what had looked like a controlled performance.

Barça established a commanding advantage before two defensive mistakes allowed Levante back into the contest.

Karim Adeyemi eventually provided the late goal that restored breathing room, and Cubarsi admitted afterwards that maintaining concentration when a match appears under control remains an area for improvement.

Cubarsi responds to Flick’s praise

Cubarsi in a duel with a Levante player. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Asked about Hansi Flick describing his performances since returning from the World Cup as exceptional, he said, “Yes, I feel comfortable. Maybe there are days when things don’t go the way I want, but I always work.

“I work every day to stay focused, to be at 100%, and to show on the pitch everything I am capable of,” he added (h/t Diario SPORT).

Flick had warned his players before the match against lowering their concentration levels, and Cubarsi felt Barcelona’s difficult spell demonstrated exactly what the coach meant.

“Yes, he is talking about minutes like those. I think we started the first half very well. We had the ball, the opponent also did their job, but we were strong,” he explained.

“We scored two quick goals, and I think they also gave us that calmness to control the match. But we should not have dropped off. We had to keep looking for more and continue improving.”

Defensive mistakes give Barça something to correct

Barcelona’s two defensive errors made the closing stages considerably more uncomfortable, something Cubarsi acknowledged.

“Yes, in the end they are details that I think we have to improve. We have to try not to disconnect from the atmosphere of the match even if it seems almost decided. Because in stadiums like these, at any moment, the opponent can put you under pressure and create chances, and we saw that they managed to score against us,” Cubarsi explained.

The Spaniard also highlighted how Adeyemi saved the day for Barça.

“Fortunately, Karim scored in the final minutes and gave us that calmness. But I think it is something we have to improve,” he said.

The young defender also spoke positively about playing alongside Gerard Martin.

“Good, very good. Gerard is a player who has developed a lot. I am very happy that things are going well for him because he deserves it. And he will keep working, and he will continue performing well,” he said.

On his own performance, Cubarsi was similarly positive without suggesting the work was finished.

“Good, very good. I think I felt very comfortable. But it cannot stop here. We have to keep making the effort, keep improving, and stay fully focused for the entire 90 minutes,” he insisted.

It was a solid effort from Barcelona today. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Cubarsi remains confident for the future

Finally, Cubarsi was asked about his overall assessment of the match, and he returned to the same theme of progress mixed with necessary improvement.

“Good evening. I think it was a match where we were on the right track. Then, because of two mistakes that perhaps we could have controlled, they got back into the match. But I think we are in a very good run of form, and we have to keep going in order to improve,” he concluded.

Barcelona are winning and producing strong spells of football, but Flick’s demand for complete concentration remains relevant.

Levante showed chinks in the Catalan club’s armour, even if Barça continue to have enough attacking threat to help them see out games.

For a young Barça side with ambitions of competing for every major trophy, learning to kill matches without offering opponents a route back into them is crucial.

Flick will know what aspects his team needs to improve, and it remains to be seen whether Barça learn from this and improve in the coming weeks.