Pau Cubarsi talks Laporta, Cancelo, Martin, Espart, Gordon ahead of Barcelona vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have an important game awaiting them tonight as they face Newcastle United in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

The first leg between these two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, and thus, this tie remains quite an open affair, with both sides keen to advance.

As is the custom for UCL games, a Blaugrana player preceded Hansi Flick to talk to the press yesterday ahead of this match. This time, the responsibility fell to the young defender Pau Cubarsi. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Spaniard commented on different aspects of the team, the match against Newcastle, and his own career.

The center-back was counting on the support of home fans to get through this stage of the competition:

“It’s a very important match. We must go through no matter what. We play the second leg at home after a good result, and with the support of all the fans, we will try to advance.”

Cubarsi did not reveal whom he voted for in the presidential elections:

“As a player and member, everyone has the freedom to express themselves. I’ll keep my vote private, but Laporta has been elected president, and we congratulate him. We are focused on tomorrow.”

Despite the hectic schedule, the defender ensured that the team was ready for the upcoming match:

“We’ve been able to recharge and are in good form. Playing every three days doesn’t give you much time, but you have to find moments to mentally prepare. We will give everything, as always.”

The Spaniard also commented on Joan Laporta’s visit to the first team:

“He came to visit us, and we congratulated him. He told us to be ourselves, that we are at a great level, and to remain a family, which is what wins titles.”

The center-back was satisfied with the team’s level and wanted his team to play according to Flick’s instructions:

“We’ve made a few adjustments in the defensive line, and now we are at a high level. Every available player is performing excellently, and that helps the team. If we trust the staff’s philosophy, things will go well.”

Despite his youth and lack of experience, Cubarsi was gunning to continue proving himself:

“We are young and lack experience, but we have the desire to give everything for this club. We did it in the youth teams against top opponents. No matter your age, you can give your best.”

The defender understood the level of competition in the UCL:

“In the Champions League, you face the best in every match. You’ll encounter top-level players. I focus on myself and how I can be at my best.”

The Spaniard was happy with Joao Cancelo’s return to the Barcelona team:

“We are very happy with his second spell. When he arrived, he helped me integrate into the dressing room. It’s great to have a versatile player who can help us. He’s a true Barça player and very happy.”

The center-back was clear that age was not a crucial factor in winning:

“The most important thing is not experience, but how you approach the match and how you enter it. It’s a knockout tie, and just because we reached the semifinals last year doesn’t mean we will win.”

The La Masia graduate expressed satisfaction with the level of his teammates in defense:

“Gerard Martin is having a spectacular season, playing more as a centre-back and feeling comfortable. A magnificent season. Gerard, Ronald, Eric, and Andreas can all perform at the highest level.”

The defender revealed what he had told other youngsters making their debuts with the first team:

“I tell them to just focus on playing and nothing else, and to listen to their family. We’ve seen Xavi Espart perform at 100%, and if Cortes plays, he will do the same.”

Pau Cubarsi recognized the talent in Newcastle’s ranks, but was clear that his team remains the author of its destiny:

“Newcastle have great players. Gordon is probably ready, but we don’t focus on opponents. They will surely have quality. We must focus on ourselves.”

The Spaniard was confident that the result of the second leg would be better for his team:

“The intensity they showed at home was spectacular. We already knew that because we played them in the league phase. We lacked a bit more rhythm, but at home it will be different.”

This was a good press conference from Pau Cubarsi, who continues to defy his age both on and off the pitch. Hopefully, he will put in another good performance for Barcelona tonight to lead them into the quarter-finals of the UCL.