The coming days could be special for Barcelona as they not only have the chance to once again beat Real Madrid, but also dominate the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
Lamine Yamal is one of the contenders to win the Ballon d’Or while young defender Pau Cubarsi could bag the Kopa Trophy after an excellent campaign.
However, heading into this game on Sunday, Cubarsi is not bothered about any personal accolades and is focusing solely on the game.
Cubarsi on Ballon d’Or and Kopa Trophy
Cubarsi will play a key role in the Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Speaking to DAZN, the defender was asked about the prospect of a glittering double for Barcelona, with Yamal in line for the Ballon d’Or and himself a candidate for the Kopa Trophy.
While he acknowledged the appeal, Cubarsi was quick to stress that his attention lies firmly on matters on the pitch.
“It would not be bad, but right now I’m not thinking about that, but about Sunday’s game. If something good comes later, I am grateful,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Cubarsi on Flick’s high defensive line
The 19-year-old also offered an insight into the demands of Hansi Flick’s bold, high-pressing defensive system, notably defending its effectiveness.
“The forward defence is the philosophy that the coach transmitted to us from the beginning and we have to go to the death with it.
All eyes on Cubarsi’s performance against Real Madrid. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Up front we have to press like animals so that they are not comfortable. If we go with clear ideas and with this philosophy we can do great things,” he said.
The young centre-back conceded that the approach can be particularly testing for those at the back, where the margin for error is slim.
“For a defender it’s special, a bit complicated in some situations,” he admitted.
Yet Cubarsi insisted that collective trust and a shared understanding are what make the high line function so well for Barcelona.
“Trusting in the teammates you have next to you and with very clear ideas, as I said, things go well,” he concluded.
That understanding will indeed be crucial as Barcelona look to come back from a defeat to PSG and secure a win against Real Madrid, which will help them bridge the gap further at the top of the league table.
Cubarsi, to that end, will be integral for Barcelona, who, in addition to Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen, will also miss out on Jules Kounde. That means the Spanish international will have to play a leadership alongside rookie Gerard Martin.