Cubarsi talks Inigo, Lamine, Araujo, La Masia, CL ambitions ahead of Benfica vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will take the field at Estadio da Luz for the second time this season as they face off against SL Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Wednesday.

The Blaugrana previously faced the Portuguese outfit at their home ground in the league phase and ended up 5-4 winners in a thrilling encounter.

Hansi Flick & co. will be hoping for another win, but in much more comfortable circumstances than their last visit to Lisbon.

Ahead of the big game tomorrow, Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi addressed the media as part of the press conference, discussing several things including his rapid rise at the club.

Kicking things off, Cubarsi touched on the 5-4 win against Benfica earlier this season, saying that the team cannot afford to concede so many goals.

“It was complicated as we saw, we gave up a lot of chances. We have to try not to concede goals,” the teenager said.

The youngster then spoke about the support system from the club and within the dressing room for youngsters like him coming through the academy, saying:

“I’ve shared the dressing room with people from La Masia, but the mix with the veterans generates a positive energy. The support from Barça is a source of pride.”

Discussing his partnership with Inigo Martinez at the heart of the Barcelona defence this season, Cubarsi noted: “I’ve played almost all season with him, but I’m very comfortable with everyone.”

On whether things change with regard to the high-line when he plays with Ronald Araujo in defence, he said:

“It doesn’t change, whoever goes out on the pitch must know what to do. We are focused on doing well.”

On Barcelona’s chances of winning the Champions League this season, Cubarsi stated that it is a childhood dream for him.

“I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a kid, it’s something I want to achieve, now it’s time to enjoy the moment and try to do well,” he said.

Pau Cubarsi has become a mainstay for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Cubarsi made his Barcelona debut in January last year and has since gone on to win his first trophy with the club – the Spanish Super Cup this season while he also recently scored his first goal for the senior team.

On being asked to name the best thing he has experienced since his debut, the youngster said:

“Debuting, winning the Super Cup and scoring are a source of pride. Winning the first title and how we did it was spectacular.”

Talking about his own growth over the past year, the 18-year-old noted: “Since my debut, which was a magnificent night, I have improved a lot in all aspects. Now I know better how the games go. We have to be focused in every game.”

On the journey he has been on so far with fellow La Masia gem Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi said: “We wouldn’t have believed it a couple of years ago but we are very grateful for what the club has given us.”

The teenager also hailed the training he received at La Masia as a reason for him being able to perform at this level, saying:

“I’ve already said that it’s a school that trains us to be good footballers, like Puyol and Pique were. From a young age, we are trained for this.”

Barça’s recent draw against Atletico Madrid where they let in two late goals generated some debate about the team’s game management. Giving his thoughts on it, he stated:

“You have to know how to play the games. Against Atletico in the Copa, we were unlucky to concede two goals at the end. Here there is a second leg and you have to give everything from the start.”

Talking about Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored a hat-trick in the last game vs Barcelona, Cubarsi said: “He’s a quality player who can hurt us, but it’s not just him. There are more.”

Continuing about what makes Benfica a threat, he added: “They have a great attack and we have to be careful that they don’t hurt us as much as in the previous game.

“They played a great first half in the other game, we were able to turn it around, but we have to try to be focused from the start.”

Stressing on the importance of performing at the best in this stretch of the season, Cubarsi said:

“‘The key part of the season is beginning, when the titles are at stake, we want to continue in this good dynamic.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo