FC Barcelona’s 1-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League, keeps the hopes of the Culés of moving on to the next phase alive. After the exiting match, Sergi Barjuán, Ansu Fati and Marc-André Ter Stegen spoke with the press about the game, their chances and much more.
Yesterday’s match against Dynamo Kyiv was a critical one for the Blaugranas. Had they lost, it was basically game over for the Catalans in the UCL. Which would have been one of the biggest upsets in recent Barça history. However, thanks to an amazing goal by Ansu Fati the Culés still have hope on clinching the second place of their group and moving on to the round of sixteen.
Once the match ended, Sergi Barjuán spoke with the press. This is what he had to say:
On the match
“During the first half they were waiting for us. We had prepared for it, but they made us run a lot. We had to change the team a bit due to the physical problem of Dest. I spoke with Gavi on how to press because it is not the same to be on the inside as on the wing, but today in the center of the pitch we had four players and that allowed us to be stronger. In the second half, I decided that Busquets would play further back to get the ball.”
Regarding the importance of the match
“During pre-game talk, as a culé that I am, I reminded them how important the game was for us. I reminded them that we had not won on the road. I don’t know if it worked or not, but I had to change the script a bit. And we have won. When you win you free yourself. And I think this shows our strength. To keep up the dynamic, we have to continue like this. It takes a lot for us to score. We have to continue working hard.”
On if the win was an obligation
“Yes. Amicably or criminally. Everybody knew. The players, in the hours previous to the match, were stressed. And you see that in their faces. I believe in our work and in the path that has led us to victory. But winning helps you to work better and for players to better perceive the message I’m trying to get across. We will see what the next game is like, but this win helps.”
Regarding Ansu’s goal
“Ansu has something that differentiates him, which is scoring goals. He has that quality that he brings to the table and frees Memphis. Ansu has scored today, Memphis will score tomorrow. When you can divide the focus of your threats that means that opponents has multiple objectives and more pockets of spaces are created.”
Ansu Fati, the hero and MVP of the match for the Blaugranas also spoke with the press:
On the match
“It is an important victory. We are happy because we are in the fight. Now it depends on us and we will go with everything to try and beat Benfica and Bayern.”
Regarding his goal
“The cross by Mingueza fell short, Frenkie had a touch on it and I hit him with everything. The goal is for Kun. He is a player who adds a lot and is going to be out for a while. This victory goes to him and we hope he will be with us soon.”
On their current form
“We know that we have to improve and keep working and look forward. The Champions is very difficult. Everything is costing us a lot but we have to look forward. It’s a long season and we still have time for everything. Last year we were in a similar situation and we almost won LaLiga.”
Finally, Marc-André Ter Stegen also spoke with the press. This is what the German goalkeeper had to say:
Regarding the win
“It was vital. Good thing we have won. A few times the opponent created problems. But in general we played a good game and I’m happy.”
On the fragility of the defense
“Right now, we lack players in attack. But today in the second half we were better positioned and that helps the forwards. In the last match the other team created danger and they had scored on the first opportunity. We were able to keep a clean sheet today and that makes us happy.”
Regarding the importance of this victory
“These are three points and they will always be three points, but with this victory we have peace of mind because the situation is not easy. And, from now on, we will try to grow. We will be looking forward to the game of the weekend.”
