On Friday, goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen commented on some issues regarding Barcelona. Among them, the goalkeeper praised the young striker Lamine Yamal, just 17 years old, and hopes that he remains focused to maintain the good football he has been playing.
“Xavi gave him the opportunity to compete in every game. So it’s true that Lamine has something special. We saw that in the team and also at the Euros. He’s a different player and he still has room to improve, because he’s a player who makes a difference. I hope he keeps his feet on the ground, because I’ve heard that he has a great future,” he said in an interview with ESPN.
“For him, it’s important to focus on the moment and enjoy it, but to keep working for the team, as he has done so far. In the end, what matters is the mentality. Being ready for every game, giving 100 percent. Focusing on himself, working for the team and improving in every aspect, because he’s still very, very young and for him, everything is just beginning,” he added.
Despite his young age, Lamine Yamal was one of the standout players in Spain’s European Championship title. The right winger scored one goal in the competition, against France in the semi-final, and provided four assists, in addition to shining with his dribbling and speed.
Good job, Marc! 💪 pic.twitter.com/l9W2YbHF8x
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 2, 2024
Ter Stegen also said the club is ready to compete for trophies again after spending a season without any success.
“I think the team is ready to fight for titles… We are starting with all our enthusiasm and I am convinced that we have a good squad to compete. It will be a very long season and we all want to compete for titles. Personally, I enjoy every time I put on this shirt, I would give anything for this badge,” he said.
Another point commented by Ter Stegen was the start of coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona and the intensity of his training. The German coach arrives to replace Spaniard Xavi, who left the club after poor results in 2023/24.
“There is a lot of intensity. The physical part is very important and we are working hard to be ready for the whole season. Hansi has always placed a lot of importance on the physical aspect. Every coach is different and has his own philosophy. And Hansi places a lot of importance on that. I hope this will benefit us and give us the strength to compete at any moment of the season.”
Barcelona are now carrying out their pre-season in the USA. In their first friendly match, last Tuesday, the Catalan club beat Manchester City on penalties (4-1), after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
The Spanish team returns to the field this Saturday, at 8 pm (Brasília time), to face rivals Real Madrid, at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, in another friendly match.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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