FC Barcelona defeated Levante 3-0 at the Camp Nou on Sunday to get back to winning ways, with goals from Memphis, Luuk De Jong and Ansu Fati. Schreuder, Fati, Nico, Garcia and Luuk De Jong, all spoke after the match.
Here’s what Alfred Schreuder had to say:
On the game
“We have done very good in defense, only at the end we conceded a chance. Now we think of Benfica, we know that we have to have intensity and discipline and that is what we focus on. Everyone is happy, we have had team spirit, we have shared the ball and that has been important.”
On the atmosphere in the Camp Nou and the reception of Fati
“The reaction of the stadium for Ansu has been evident, we know that he is a player who generates chances out of nowhere. We knew he could play for fifteen minutes and this is the first step. We know that he is an excellent player, but also that he has been absent for a very long time.”
“I think that from the beginning we have been able to feel the joy. It is very good that Ansu Fati has returned, but we must not forget the other players. Busquets, Gavi, Nico, have also played a great game, and some are 17-18 years old. People were very happy, and we also took little time to score.”
On the possibilities for this team
“I think the coach said it: if everyone is in shape we will have a fantastic line-up, we knew that and we had to manage it. We know that Pedri, Kun, Jordi will be back soon. We have seen moments that make us think of the Barça that we all want to see.”
On young players having continuity in the team
“Of course, Koeman said it: if they show that they are good we will not look at their age, we saw it with Ilaix and we have seen it now. If you are young and good, you will play.”
Here’s what the new no. 10, Ansu Fati, had to say:
On his return
“Above all to help the team and then for my whole family as well, who have been suffering all these months. All the people at the club, the fans… I am very grateful to everyone, they have been my great support during all these months. I am very happy for the victory and to play with the fans again. I had not been able to enjoy it for a long time. Happy for the victory, for coming back, for all my family, I have to thank the doctors and all the physios very much for everything that they did for me in these months. Now we have to continue training, competing and adding minutes.”
“I will try to add as much as I can and when the coach gives me the opportunity to play I will be available. I have to keep working because it is a very long road and we have just started. We are Barca and we have to fight for everything.”
On wearing the no. 10
“It is a pride to be able to wear it after Leo, I would like to thank the club and the captains for giving me the opportunity to wear it. It is not a pressure but I am grateful for wearing this number that has given a lot to this club.”
On the team’s chances this season
“We are Barça, we are going for LaLiga and the Champions League and all the competitions we have. All the teams want to win it all, but we are Barça and we have to fight and continue to fight for it.”
Here’s what Nico González had to say:
On the match
“We came from a complicated week, with two draws, and the game was committed, demanding, but we have got a great team and things went the way we wanted. It’s a pleasure to feel how the fans supported and encouraged us all the way through the match.”
On Ansu Fati
“He is a special player, he is very important to us and what he has done has not surprised me because I have known him for a long time and I know what he does in training. He is a differential player. I hope that with the goal he has gained confidence and continues to give us everything he gives us, which is a lot. I hope he continues on this path.”
On starting the game and playing alongside Busquets and Gavi
“I want to thank the coach and the staff for the brutal confidence they are giving us. It’s very easy sometimes, you’re in a hurry, you combine with Busquets, he takes the ball from where no one saw a way out. It is also easy to play alongside Gavi, who like Ansu is special and differential. Right now, it is coming off.”
Here’s what Eric Garcia had to say:
On the match
“The team and the fans deserved such a game after the last results. The best way was to win. We have been good during the 90 minutes and we have known how to control. I am happy, but it’s just the beginning. There is much work to be done. Now we have to focus on the Champions League.”
“The win was important for us. We know we have to improve. Today has seen a better game and if we continue like this we will go up.”
On Ansu Fati’s return
“I am very happy for him. He is a friend to me. I have lived with him for many years. He has quality and magic, and he has shown it. But it is the beginning. He has played ten minutes. He will also have games in which he will suffer, because he has been away for a long time. He has shown the kind of player he is.”
Here’s what Luuk De Jong had to say:
On the match and his goal
“The players who play up front always like to score, but what you have to look for is what is best for the team. I received a perfect assist from Sergiño Dest. We have a good connection because we speak the same language.”
“The goal will give me confidence for the next game. We have to enjoy this victory and then recover to start putting the focus on the game against Benfica. After the defeat against Bayern Munich, the team needs to regain the pulse of the competition.”
