Pau Cubarsi talks Flick, Inigo, Araujo, Puyol, Yamal, La Masia, treble chances | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has expressed confidence that the team has what it takes to win all the trophies they are competing for this season.

The young defender believes that if they continue performing at their current level, they can challenge for major honours across all competitions.

Following their qualification against Benfica, many of his teammates spoke positively about Barcelona’s chances of securing a treble. Cubarsi shares the same belief but remains focused on taking it step by step.

“Now, as I’ve told you, we’re still in the game in every way. We have to take it one game at a time, calmly, but if we do things right like we’re doing, we can compete for titles,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

Favourite trophy to win

Pau Cubarsi is confident of Barcelona’s title chances. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

When asked which trophy seems the most attainable, Cubarsi avoids choosing a particular one but admits that the Copa del Rey appears to be the closest.

Given that it is a single-elimination tournament, the path to the final is more direct compared to the demanding schedules of La Liga and the Champions League.

“I wouldn’t say the most affordable option because they’re all hard to win, but the closest one I’d say is the Copa del Rey because it’s a single match and you can get into a final.”

Hansi Flick’s impact

Cubarsi hailed Hansi Flick. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The defender also spoke about the impact of Hansi Flick, who took over as Barcelona’s manager last summer.

Coming from Germany, Flick brought his own tactical approach, but his philosophy aligns well with Barcelona’s traditional style of play.

One of the key tactical adjustments this season has been maintaining a high defensive line to execute the offside trap effectively.

“He has a similar system of play to the one here. This year we started with a high line due to the offside trap, but I think it’s a very good philosophy. We’re adapting well, and I think he’s a great coach who helps us a lot.”

Partnership with Inigo Martinez

Cubarsi loves playing with Inigo Martinez. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

A significant partnership has developed in Barcelona’s defence between Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. With Martinez set to return to the Spanish national team, Cubarsi highlights the strong bond they share.

He also praises his defensive colleagues, including Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, and Andreas Christensen, stating that all of them are capable of starting and performing at a high level.

“I have a great relationship with everyone, with Inigo, with Eric, with Ronald and I think we’re all healthy now, except for Andreas. But all four of us are at the level to be able to start and perform as you’re seeing.”

Captaining Barcelona like Puyol

Puyol is Cubarsi’s inspiration. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Cubarsi has often cited Carles Puyol as one of his biggest inspirations. However, when questioned about the possibility of captaining Barcelona in the future, he remains humble.

His primary focus is on contributing to the club and being a leader on the pitch, regardless of whether he wears the captain’s armband.

“I don’t really focus on whether I’m a captain or not. What I want is to stay here, help the club I’ve always loved, and be a leader.

“Even if I don’t have the armband, it’s always important to be a leader and help your teammates.”

Rapid fire

When asked about a dream signing for Barcelona, he mentions “Julian Alvarez.”

Additionally, he names “Quim Junyent, Andres Cuenca, and Juan Hernandez” as the next emerging talents from La Masia.

On a lighter note, when discussing teammates, Cubarsi playfully admits that he would not want to live with Lamine Yamal.

“I wouldn’t want to live with Lamine. Because he’s very independent and does his own thing,” he noted.