Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou was not simply constructed on targets from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.
It was one other evening that confirmed the rising confidence inside Hansi Flick’s facet, with the clear sheet and the performances of several young players incomes as a lot consideration because the end result itself.
For Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona’s defensive show was notably satisfying.
The centre-back felt the crew had managed the sport from the outset and, after conserving a second clear sheet in as many matches, pointed to the work being accomplished away from the highlight.
“It was a really strong match, with a transparent sport plan, a need to dominate and a very good tempo,” Cubarsi mentioned.
The defender believes Barcelona’s early defensive type isn’t any coincidence.
“We’ve got the very best goalkeeper on the earth, and the defence is stuffed with confidence,” he added.
Cubarsi hails Xavi Espart
Xavi Espart was as soon as once more one of many main speaking factors after beginning at left-back for the second consecutive match.
Cubarsi is aware of the teenager higher than most, having progressed alongside him by way of Barcelona’s academy.
The defender drew parallels with different home-grown skills, together with Marc Bernal and Lamine Yamal, as he praised Espart’s means and flexibility.
“We’re very completely happy that he’s right here with us. We’ve grown up collectively within the youth system, similar to with Bernal and Lamine.
“You’ve all seen it: he’s spectacular on the ball, he can play at full-back and in midfield, and he at all times does it completely,” Cubarsi remarked.
Cubarsi additionally seemed forward to what Rodri might carry to Barcelona following his arrival, predicting a significant position for the newcomer.
“He’ll assist us attain one other stage; he’ll be a frontrunner inside the crew.”
Raphinha, in the meantime, was one other participant singled out by the defender after his objective and energetic efficiency.
“He’s enjoying at a spectacular stage and is raring to go; we’ve a really well-rounded squad.”
Joan Garcia welcomes quiet evening
Earlier than kick-off, Joan Garcia acquired recognition for being named the very best goalkeeper in final season’s league. Throughout the match itself, he was given little or no to do.
The Barcelona goalkeeper was completely happy to maintain it that means.
“I’d join each match the place no one shoots at me,” he started.
Garcia was additionally requested about Unai Simon, his Spain team-mate, who was named MVP of the match.
The Barcelona goalkeeper noticed the award as a mirrored image of his facet’s attacking efficiency and the alternatives they created.
“We performed a terrific match in opposition to an opponent who at all times makes issues tough.
“Unai was the very best; meaning we attacked properly and created possibilities.
“We might have scored extra, however above all we had been strong defensively,” analysed the goalkeeper.
Garcia additionally praised Barcelona’s defensive unit, recognising the calls for of the system they’re enjoying.
“Everybody performed an excellent sport. The defence, enjoying on this system which is difficult for them and requires them to remain targeted all through the match, carried out at a really excessive stage,” he continued.
Barcelona’s youthful vitality is a power
The 25-year-old goalkeeper returned to the topic of Xavi Espart and the significance of Barcelona’s rising academy technology.
“Xavi Espart is unbelievable – yet one more participant coming by way of [from the academy].
“So far as I can, provided that I already really feel a little bit of a veteran at 25, I attempt to assist and assist them,” he mentioned.
Garcia believes there’s a completely different vitality across the Barcelona squad this season, with youthful gamers bringing starvation and contemporary competitors into the group.
“I can see everybody’s actually excited. We’ve acquired a youthful squad than final yr.
“We’ve acquired a great deal of vitality, and we’re actually eager to supply some nice soccer with a number of home-grown gamers.
“We’ve acquired a reasonably well-rounded squad and we are able to handle enjoying time successfully.
“If we don’t push ourselves, we gained’t succeed. We’re heading in the right direction, however we’ve solely simply begun,” he concluded.
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
