Pau Cubarsí: 'At home we have our fans behind us'
The moment of truth has come in the Champions League! On Wednesday, FC Barcelona face Newcastle United in the round of 16 second leg at Spotify Camp Nou after a 1–1 draw in the first leg at St James’ Park. Pau Cubarsí spoke ahead of this crucial clash and made it clear what’s at stake: “It’s a very important game and a tie we have to get through no matter what. We’re at home and we’ll have the support of all the culers.”
The centre-back added that "we’re in very good shape physically and in a good rhythm. Defensively, we’ve been fine-tuning things that didn’t quite click at the start of the season, and now we’re all performing at a high level.”
Cubarsí was full of praise for the opposition: “Their intensity on the pitch is incredible. We knew what we were up against in the first leg. Defensively we were very solid, but going forward we lacked a bit of tempo. They’ve got a lot of quality, but we’re focused on ourselves and what we can improve.”
Finally, he had a word for young teammates Xavi Espart and Álvaro Cortés: “I’ve told them to stay calm, not to worry about the noise around them, and to lean on their families. Sooner or later, the opportunities will come.”