Barcelona starlet grateful to Flick after first-team debut – ‘He has shown his confidence in me…’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona starlet Xavi Espart experienced a special moment in the game against Newcastle United.

The 18-year-old starlet made his first-team debut on Tuesday night at St James’ Park, coming on as a late substitute and delivering a convincing performance in the short time he was on the pitch.

Espart happy

Having made his first-team debut, Espart experienced the customary initiation ritual, the “tunnel of claps”, from his teammates during Thursday’s training session to celebrate his achievement.

Afterwards, he posed for the club’s media channels wearing the shirt with the number 42, following which he spoke about the emotions he experienced during the game.

“When I saw myself stepping onto the pitch, I couldn’t believe it. I really enjoyed it and my emotions were running high,” said Espart.

The teenage La Masia product also explained that he had always dreamed of that moment and that being in the first team and sharing the dressing room with players he had grown up with in the academy made the adaptation easier.

“Being with these teammates has made it easier for me to adapt and perform,” he admitted.

Espart also highlighted the confidence shown by his coach Hansi Flick, saying:

“For a young man like me, the fact that the manager has put his trust in me has meant everything. I am very grateful to him. The way he has shown his confidence in me has allowed me to stay calm, without pressure, and play the way I know how.”

Despite the excitement surrounding his debut, he made it clear that this is only the beginning.

“I have to keep working, training and being ready to take advantage of any new opportunities that come my way,” Espart added.

With his debut in Newcastle, Espart has entered the story of La Masia as another example of patience, hard work and adaptability, and he is now eagerly awaiting more opportunities with Barcelona’s first team, which could come this weekend against Sevilla.

Source: SPORT