Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi has identified Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen as the key threat before Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League league-phase match in Istanbul.
Speaking alongside head coach Hansi Flick at the pre-match media conference, Cubarsi stressed that Barcelona will need complete concentration to contain the Nigeria international and former Napoli striker.
Osimhen the main concern
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Cubarsi recalled facing Osimhen several years ago and said he would treat the challenge with the same seriousness, even if he hopes the striker has changed somewhat since their previous meeting.
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“He is among the best players in the world,” Cubarsi said. “We have to stay fully focused so that he cannot cause us problems.”
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The defender also highlighted Galatasaray’s organisation and the significance of their home advantage, saying Barcelona must be alert to the Turkish side’s attacking play.
Barcelona arrive for the second round of the league phase as favourites after winning each of their nine competitive fixtures this season. Their Champions League campaign began with a 5-1 victory against Feyenoord, while they defeated Getafe 3-0 in La Liga three days before the Istanbul trip.
Flick expects a demanding night
Flick told his squad to prepare for an intense home crowd and underlined the importance of defending as a unit.
“We need to be prepared first of all. It is one of the greatest atmospheres in world football,” the German coach said. “They have improved significantly against strong opponents and they have quality players. For us, staying together and doing our defensive work is vital.”
He added that Galatasaray possess dangerous attacking options and said Barcelona would adjust their approach to the opposition’s strengths and their own requirements.
When asked whether Barcelona’s unbeaten start had created added pressure, Flick dismissed the concern. He described the team’s position as a privilege, praised the hard work behind it and said there remained a long journey before the end of the season.
Cubarsi targeting defensive progress
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Cubarsi, who was rested against Getafe, is expected to return to the starting line-up in Istanbul.
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He acknowledged that Barcelona still need to improve defensively, particularly when trying to secure shutouts in intimidating stadiums.
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“A clean sheet is always difficult, especially at grounds like this one,” he said. “We have to improve in that aspect, and we will do so because there is room to get better.”
Reflecting on Barcelona’s rapid start to the campaign, Cubarsi said the players do not regard themselves as unbeatable, but believe they are enjoying strong form and confidence. He said the task is to maintain that momentum.
The defender also said his development had advanced, describing the summer as an important turning point in his career.
Team news
Flick confirmed that Gabriel Jesus, who scored on his first start against Getafe, is available to start again. However, the coach said the final selection would be decided after training.
“We are very pleased with him,” Flick said. “We must admit that he was something of a surprise. His attitude has been excellent and he is a very good player.”
Barcelona will travel without injured trio Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong and Christensen. Galatasaray, meanwhile, will be missing Singo.
