"Osasuna defeat hurt, but Champions League is our focus now" - Barca's Casado

After the disaster at Monaco in the first match of the Champions League league-phase, Barcelona take on Young Boys on Tuesday. The Catalan club surprisingly see themselves in a tricky position early on in the tournament, as not taking home the maximum points against the Swiss could complicate their chances of progressing in the competition. 

Ahead of the game, midfielder Marc Casado took part in the press conference alongside Barca boss Hansi Flick. The player was clear on the fact that the team is motivated to bring home the three points, emphasising that Barca must get back to winning ways, especially after their brutal defeat to Osasuna in the league on Satuday. 

“The team is eager to get a win in the Champions League. We were not happy with the defeat at El Sadar and we want to get back to winning ways,” said Casado, who underlined the importance of the upcoming match for the supporters. “It's always motivating to make our home debut; it's a game to encourage our fans,” he pointed out.

Despite the odds favouring the 'Azulgrana' to triumph, Casado is wary of the threat Young Boys could pose during the game. "There are no easy teams in the Champions League. They are a tough team, very compact and with lots of fast players who could hurt us on the counter," he explained. 

Casado also spared words of gratitude for Hansi Flick. "We have a very young team with determined players. Flick is helping me a lot. He clearly tells me what he wants from me. I am very grateful for everything he has done," he added. 

"He is very helpful, always giving us confidence and bringing the whole squad together. We are all aware of our roles on the pitch," he continued, before taking a moment to talk about the potential return of Frenkie de Jong from injury - who Casado is in direct competition with for a place in the starting XI. "His comeback will only do us good. We will welcome him back. It's always good when the coach is able to rely on the full extent of his squad," he concluded.

 

September 30, 2024