Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has identified Victor Osimhen as a key danger for Galatasaray as the Catalans prepare for their Champions League clash in Istanbul.
“I faced him several years ago, in my first match. Things have changed for both of us,” Cubarsí told reporters on Monday. “We’ll need to stay focused and pay close attention to his attacking qualities.”
“The opening minutes will be difficult”
The 19-year-old said the whole Galatasaray side, not just Osimhen, would test Barcelona in a hostile atmosphere.
“Everyone knows the pressure in this stadium. The atmosphere is intense, and the opening minutes will be difficult,” he said. “We must stay united and focused. We have to pay attention to certain players, but above all, the team as a whole. They’re a great side.”
He expects an aggressive home team. “We expect a team with clear attacking ideas that will give everything, especially at home. We must be fully focused from the start.”
Form and fitness
Asked whether Barcelona feel unstoppable, he said: “We don’t feel unstoppable because every match is different. But we’re going through a very good period, the atmosphere is extremely positive, and we have a lot of confidence.”
On his workload, he said: “I’ve played a lot of matches, and Hansi is managing my minutes. I take care of myself to compete, and he knows playing every game is what I enjoy most.”
He dismissed his age as a factor. “Age is no excuse. If I’m on the pitch, I have to do the same as everyone else, whether I’m 19 or 34.”
Yamal and the Ballon d’Or
Cubarsí backed teammate Lamine Yamal for football’s top individual prize. “Everyone already knows Lamine Yamal is the BEST player in the world,” he said. “He knows it, everyone knows it, and he absolutely deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.”
He also put himself in the frame. “I believe I am also one of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or considering the season I delivered,” he said.
De Jong and Madrid
Cubarsí praised midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is currently out. “He’s at an incredible level and is one of the BEST in the world in his position,” he said. “I’m sure he’ll come back with a lot of motivation.”
Asked about Real Madrid’s complaints over refereeing, he said: “I don’t pay attention to their complaints about referees. I only focus on what we can do and what we can give to our fans.”
