FC Barcelona advanced to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League this season after a wait of two years, and now have the opportunity to progress further in this tournament with a win in their upcoming match against Napoli in the second leg of Round of 16.
The first leg of this tie ended in a 1-1 draw, and thus, both sides will be looking to score and get at least the advantage of one goal to progress to the next round. In such a context, one of the most important players for Barcelona will be the captain and goalkeeper, Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
The German international was thus the one who preceded Xavi Hernandez to the press conference ahead of this match. The goalkeeper talked about different aspects of the team and this match in particular, and the main highlights of his presser are as follows:
Ter Stegen started by showing his desire to keep a clean sheet in this match, which could let them progress to the next round:
“That’s what we always want, keeping a clean sheet and perhaps scoring a goal is enough to win, we’re getting more stability.”
The Barcelona captain also commented on how his opponents have improved since the first leg:
“In the first leg, their new coach was already in charge. They have improved a lot, they want to have possession, but we stick to our plan and it doesn’t affect us. We have to play well.”
Advancing to the next level will allow Barcelona to earn a significant amount in prize money, but Ter Stegen was clear that this matter was not in his mind ahead of this match:
“The millions at stake? The more we focus on football, the better. If we think about other things, we make mistakes. We only think about advancing.”
The media has been filled with superlatives for Pau Cubarsi since his last performance in the match against Mallorca. The German also commented on the youngster in this presser:
“As a footballer, he’s doing phenomenally well, he can improve a lot at his age, and as a person, he’s always open to listening, he’s approachable, and he’s in spectacular shape, and we have to take advantage of that.”
Barcelona were able to advance from the group stage after a break of two years, and Ter Stegen believed his team deserved to be in the knock-out stages of the tournament:
“We deserved to advance from the group stage after two years; we’re in a good position. We all want to hear the Champions League anthem, and we’re excited about the possibility of continuing in the Champions League.”
The Catalans have been unable to reach a final of the Champions League since they last won the treble in 2015. The German international reflected on why this was the case:
“We haven’t reached any more finals since 2015 because we had our own mistakes when we were close. I always think that another opportunity may come, and that’s why we focus on tomorrow, not on the past.”
The captain also commented on his relationship with the Napoli goalkeeper ahead of this match:
“Meret is playing at a very good level. We only know each other from exchanging greetings, but I respect him. I wish him well, but I hope his Champions League journey ends tomorrow.”
The Barcelona goalkeeper also shared his planning for the Napoli attack:
“Osimhen and Kvara? In the first leg, we defended against them very well, trying to deny them any chance to score. They only had one opportunity in the first leg, and we’ll try to make life as difficult as possible for them.”
The German was clear about which team was the favorite to come out on top in this match:
“Favorites? We’re playing at home, coming in with good feelings, and we’ve had three matches without conceding a goal. We hope to continue in this vein to advance, although due to the absences, it’s a bit more even.”
The veteran goalkeeper reached the milestone of playing 400 games with Barcelona with his appearance against Mallorca. He was now hoping for even more such milestones to be met:
“Ten years ago, when Zubi signed me, we talked about all of this. I hope there are many more matches than just the 400. I’m proud to defend this shirt.”
Ter Stegen also shed some light on the key strengths of his team’s coming opponents:
“Their strength is having the ball, and the key is for them not to have it and not to create chances for us. In the first leg, we did well, but they scored the one they had. It’s important for us not to be dominated.”
The changed position of one of his teammates was another question that the captain addressed:
“Having Christensen in midfield gives us more balance between lines in defense and attack. It was a decision made by Xavi, and it gives us a lot. I see him with confidence and calmness even though he wasn’t very comfortable at first.”
The German also commented on his role in the locker room:
“I think I’m important in the locker room because of my experience, the games I’ve played. I’m happy now after a not-so-pleasant time of absence.”
Ter Stegen also had very high hopes of winning some silverware this season:
“Every competition is important for us, and we’re going to fight to succeed in both La Liga and the Champions League.”
The goalkeeper also reflected on the time he had to spend on the sidelines because of his injury:
“It was a tough time being sidelined, during which you learn a lot. Decisions had to be made. In the first match, I struggled a bit, but now I’m fine. It wasn’t easy for Iñaki, and I think he did a very good job. He played two Champions League matches, and we are here because it’s a team effort.”
Ter Stegen also regretted Xavi’s decision to leave the club at the end of this season:
“Xavi announced it, the farewell, and to me, who has known him for years, it felt bad. We are also responsible for these decisions. He conveyed to us that this doesn’t stop and that we also have to give our best, also for him.”
“He’s a great coach who has brought us back to this level and is working very well so that we can compete every 3 or 4 days. Unfortunately, he’s leaving and it’s hard to accept as a player and friend.”
The German was also asked about Hansi Flick, with whom he has played in the German national team and who has been linked with Barcelona as Xavi’s successor, but did not believe it was a good time to talk about him:
“It’s not a good time to talk about Hansi Flick, today is not the day. He’s indeed a great person whom we highly value in the German national team. I know this response might not be pleasing, but tomorrow we play the most important match of the season.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
