The defender of Barcelona, Pau Cubarsi, did not give an image that he feels that he and his colleagues were used by the re-elected president Joan Laporta as part of the campaign. Laporta was seen jumping and celebrating with many players after his victory on Sunday.
Several Barcelona players did not openly say that they supported Laporta in the election, but spoke of their close relationship with him. Cubarsi was seen with some of his teammates enjoying winning the election with Laporta, and it was reported that some of what his rival Victor Font said was not going down well with the team. Cubarsi was asked if Laporta had ‘used’ his relationship with the players.
“As a player and as a member, everyone is free to express their feelings as they like, I reserve my vote for myself but Laporta has been elected as president and we congratulate him, let’s focus on tomorrow.”
“He came to visit us and congratulated us, he told us to be ourselves, we are at an amazing level, to continue being a family which is what wins titles.”
‘We fixed a few things to protect ourselves’
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick admitted after the first leg of their Champions League match that his team looked tired, as Newcastle United’s players dominated the game.
“We managed to recharge our batteries and we are in good form. Playing every three days doesn’t give you much time, but you have to find time to prepare mentally. Tomorrow we will go all out, as always.”
Cubarsí: “I would tell Espart and Cortés to stay calm. Although there are many people talking, they need to listen to their families.”
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 17, 2026
Despite conceding twice against Sevilla on Sunday, the general feeling is that Barcelona’s defense has improved in recent weeks. Since losing to Girona and Atletico Madrid in a row, Barcelona have scored four goals in six games.
“We fixed a few things in defense, but now we are at a high level. Every player there is playing at an amazing level, and that helps the team. If we trust the philosophy of the staff, things will go well.”
Joao Cancelo and Gerard Martin in the starting XI
Some of the changes have been in personnel. With Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde injured, Xavi Espart and Eric Garcia played at right back, while Joao Cancelo came in on the left.
“We’re very happy with this second phase. When he came, he helped me a lot to put the dressing room together. It’s great to have a versatile player who can help us. He’s one of us, and he’s happy.”
Next to Cubarsi, Gerard Martin is a player who has been trusted a lot of late.
“Gerard Martin is having a great season, he plays a lot in the full back and feels comfortable. It’s a great season. Gerard, Ronald, Eric and Andreas can all play at their best.”
‘The teaching method is more important than the experience’ – Cubarsi
Cubarsi admitted his side struggled to keep up with Newcastle’s pace in the first leg, and felt attitude was more important than experience. It was pointed out to him that Newcastle’s average age is much higher than Barcelona’s.
“The momentum they have in their home field was amazing.
“The most important thing is not the experience, it’s the way you handle the game and how you enter it, the playoffs, even though we played in the semi-finals last year, it doesn’t mean we will win.”
Barcelona host Newcastle at 18:45 CEST on Wednesday, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The Blaugrana are hoping to extend their run of 11 consecutive home victories since returning to the Camp Nou.
