Barcelona, after enjoying a sensational run, now face one of their most challenging periods of the season. Recent defeats against Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, and Girona have seen the 'Cule' side relinquish their La Liga lead and leave them virtually out of the Copa del Rey. Despite these setbacks, expectations at the club remain high, with the team aiming to compete for all available trophies.

Pau Cubarsi shared his thoughts in an interview with 'Mundo Deportivo', admitting the team believes in a Copa del Rey comeback against Atletico and will strive to win the Champions League – a trophy that has eluded the club since 2015 – at all costs.

"We've shown on other occasions that we believe in comebacks, and we've pulled them off. We will try again with our fans behind us," the centre-back declared, recalling a 4-0 first leg in which Atletico's early 1-0 goal "disrupted our game plan" and prevented the 'Blaugrana' from "dictating play". Regarding the Champions League, Cubarsi affirmed the team "will fight to bring" the coveted UCL trophy to Camp Nou.

Flick's risky style

Among other topics, the young centre-back also reviewed the recent setback at Montilivi. "We must improve significantly. We cannot concede those two goals. We played a poor match and lacked a bit of everything. We need to self-criticise and get our act together," he asserted.

Similarly, regarding Barca's ambitious objectives, the defender commented on how the team's risky playing style might affect their achievement, especially given their concerning attacking frailties this year, particularly in the elite continental competition.

"Flick brought his philosophy, and we uphold it. From the outside, it might appear risky, but we are all united. Playing this way, we might carry more risk at the back, but that threat should help us be more active higher up the pitch in our press. It's a system that, if one player isn't connected, doesn't work. That's why we must always be as engaged as possible in the match," he explained.

Defensive partners and Barca's transfer market

Cubarsi also reflected on his development as a centre-back, praising the players who have partnered him in the heart of the defence. "I played a lot with Inigo Martinez last year. He was very reliable and always helped me with his experience. Now I'm also doing very well with Eric Garcia, as well as with other teammates I've played less with, such as Gerard Martin, Araujo, or Christensen," he acknowledged.

Discussing specific names in defence, the young defender also touched upon potential reinforcements for next season, highlighting Bastoni, who has been strongly linked with a move to Camp Nou. "He's a spectacular centre-back. Everyone knows his quality. These things depend on those higher up," he stated.

Finally, in the context of the transfer market, Cubarsi commented on Barca's attacking situation, with veteran Robert Lewandowski nearing the end of his contract and rumours of a possible move for Julian Alvarez constantly circulating. "Julian is clearly a spectacular footballer. A world-class striker with the quality for Barcelona. Just like Lewandowski or Ferran. They are also performing very well this season and help us a great deal," he concluded.

Pau Cubarsí

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