After a 3-1 victory over Benfica, Barcelona successfully advanced to the last eight of the Champions League. After the match, the players were interviewed and shared their feelings and expectations for the future.
Frick’s tactical system works
Head coach Mauricio Frick’s tactical system is working very well, and the players are in good shape and full of fighting spirit. The team’s confidence has increased after advancing to the last eight, and everyone is hoping to use the momentum to go further.
Pedrie’s second straight MVP
Midfielder Pedrie from the Canary Islands has been in hot form lately and has been named Man of the Match for the second consecutive game. He stood out despite the fact that his teammates also performed well. Pedri modestly stated, “I told Yamal and Rafinha that the MVP could well have gone to them. We’re in great shape right now and we have to capitalize on it. I’m happy to have won back-to-back MVPs, but the others deserve it too.” He also mentioned that his efforts on the defensive end improved his overall performance, “I always try to do my best on the defensive end. My father told me that even if one day I’m not in good shape, I should at least try to run hard.”
Rafinha’s European dream
Benfica seems to be Rafinha’s “lucky star”, he has scored 5 goals in the 3 matches they have played this season. But he is more interested in the overall performance of the team. He is currently the top scorer in the Champions League with 11 goals and 4 assists. Rafinha celebrated teammate Yamal’s goal by polishing his sneakers: “That goal was fantastic. It showed the strength of Yamal. He’s a very talented player and we just need to win games with him.”
Dr. Mignaro’s passing inspires team
The passing of the team’s physician, Dr. Mignaro, has inspired the players, who wanted to pay tribute to him. “It gives us more motivation to win this game.” Frick has inspired the Brazilian winger to be at his best and there is no doubting the team’s good form. “We have the strength to win everything.”
Gavi: Frick’s right-hand man
Spanish midfielder Gavi emphasized the influence of manager Frick on the team: “The manager gives a lot of confidence to the players. This is reflected in the games. The important thing is that if you have confidence, he will continue to give you playing time, just like Rafinha, Yamal and Pedri.” He also singled out Pedri’s excellent form, “Everyone knows how good a player Pedri is. Last year he wasn’t able to show his full strength due to injuries. No one deserves the Ballon d’Or more than him.”
Yamal’s best goal
Yamal scored his best goal for Barcelona. After the match, he was asked if it was his best goal and he gave a clear answer, “I think so, at Barcelona it is. It can be compared to that goal in the Europa League.” The Catalan player is enjoying the good form of the team: “I told Olmo that I like the second leg.” He is also enjoying the connection with his teammates: “He is doing well. I have to thank him because I was trying to shoot and it turned into a pass and he scored it.” He admitted that his assist was actually a shot on goal.
Valverde reiterates team cohesion
Barcelona right back Balde had a great performance and emphasized the team’s cohesion, “We know we have to give our all.” He contributed an assist through another break: “I grabbed the ball, I saw that he (Rafinha) was open, there was an open space in front of him and I was fast, so I took my chance. I saw Rafinha and he was in an unbelievable position and I knew he wouldn’t miss his chance.”
There is a connection and a consensus within the team, “We are hungry to win everything. We still have a chance to win everything. Winning the Champions League is the dream of many players in the dressing room.”
Summary
The Barcelona players are full of confidence after advancing to the last eight of the Champions League, and they are looking to capitalize on this momentum to go even further. Both Pedri’s back-to-back MVPs and Rafinha’s outstanding performance showed the strength of the team. The passing of Dr. Mignaro has further galvanized the players as they look to pay tribute to him. The team’s cohesion and confidence is undoubtedly the key to their continued success.
