Xavi Hernandez’s men pulled off a sensationalcomeback against Tottenham Hotspuron Tuesday night to record their first win at their new home ground. However, it did not come easy for theBlaugranas.
Despite taking the early lead,Barcelonasquandered their advantage by half-time and were staring at a loss.
A late flurry of goals, however, did the trick for the men in garnet-and-blue, inspired by their academy products who were remarkable off the bench, completely changing the tempo of the game.
Captain Roberto speaks
Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto was amongst the first to address the media after the game. TheLa Masiagraduate did not start on the night but made an early entrance on the field when Ronald Araujo had to be taken off at the half-hour mark.
The first-team captain first spoke about the honour of holding the title he had inherited and what it meant to him to wear the captain’s armband.
“It’s an honor to be the first captain, I’ve been culer since I was little, it’s very special to be the captain of the team.”
He also jovially shared the experience of giving his first speech to the fɑɴȿ as is the tradition in the Joan Gamper clash.
“I was a bit nervous at the start of my speech, it’s my first time but I’ve been watching my teammates do it for years.”
Speaking about Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old phenom who turned the game around forBarcelonawith his ten-minute cameo, Roberto had only words of praise.
However, he was also careful to not go overboard and to keep the limelight off the teenager.
“I congratulated Yamal, he is brilliant. We don’t need to be in a hurry. We have to be patient with them. The guys are doing very well and I encourage them to continue.”
Frenkie de Jong’s thoughts on the game
Frenkie de Jong was named the man-of-the-match on the night for his tireless 90-minute performance against Spurs. The Dutchman also spoke to the media after the game and ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ his excitement for the coming season.
“I feel good. I can’t wait to start La Liga.”
The former Ajax star also gave his two cents on the youngLa Masiastars who wreaked havoc in the final 10 minutes, saying,
“Young players come in with quality, talent and desire. This isBarça, there are always talented young players.”
The Dutchman also shed light on the narrow and unforgiving margin for error at a club likeBarcelonaand the responsibility that came with the crest.
“AtBarcelonayou have to fight for everything. We have a team for that, we have to improve and show that we can play against the best in Europe.”
On the team’s pєɴԀing player registrations ahead of the new La Liga season, the captain ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ that the players were unperturbed and had faith in the management.
“Registrations? I have not noticed nervousness for the players who haven’t been registered yet. This theme does not live in the dressing room.”
