FC Barcelona will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face off against Borussia Dortmund in Matchweek six of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
Having been held to a 2-2 draw by Real Betis in La Liga, Hansi Flick’s men will be eager to bounce back and take another step towards the Round of 16 in Europe’s premier competition.
The Blaugrana are currently third in the Champions League table, with 12 points from five games, positioned well in terms of qualifying for the knockout stages directly.
A daunting challenge awaits Barcelona away at Signal Iduna Park tomorrow night, and goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who appeared at the press conference with Flick, opened up on what it feels like playing at Dortmund’s iconic home stadium.
“Obviously when you grow up, your dream is to play this kind of game. In a stadium like Dortmund’s, against a great team and we will have to give 100% to win tomorrow,” said Pena.
“We are super psyched, after the game against Betis we talked about what we had to do to win.”
Pena has been trusted by Flick to become Barcelona’s preferred goalkeeper in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen even though the club signed Wojciech Szczesny as an option.
Discussing what it meant for him to have the manager’s confidence, the La Masia product said: “On a mental level I’m the same, but everything adds up and above all if you play matches you gain confidence.
“When I first came into the goal, my first results were positive. I am very grateful to Flick for the confidence he has shown in me.”
Talking about what has changed for him personally since last season and if there have been any improvements made, Pena remarked:
“‘Well, not much has changed. Last year the results in the Super Cup final hurt us, the season was tough for the group and when it was my turn to play it was the decisive part of the season, but last year I don’t even remember.
“On a personal level, I’m doing very well, it’s important to play matches with continuity and I think you can see that.”
Barça have been going through somewhat of a slump over the past few weeks, collecting just five points from their five La Liga matches. But Pena downplayed the situation, saying:
“In the end all teams have ups and downs, no team in history has ever won every game. October was spectacular and in the end, we know what we have done to be good, and that gives us strength for the future.
“When you’ve proved something you know you can do it. Tomorrow we have to give 100%.”
On what he thinks Barcelona need to do tomorrow to beat Dortmund, Pena replied: “The coach has told us that we have to go back to what made us unstoppable.
“On a personal level about tomorrow’s game, we know what we have to do and what we don’t have to do. We have to give 100%, control the game and be decisive in the penalty area.”
Ready to give his 100%. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
On being asked if tomorrow’s match will be a special one for him, the goalkeeper responded by saying:
“I don’t go out on the pitch to show my personal level. In the end, helping your team is what I do every game, being at a club like Barça requires you to be at 100% every three days.
“It’s true that it’s a special game and winning would bring us closer to our objective, that’s what we have to do.”
When asked to elaborate on how he prepares and faces such important games, the academy product replied:
“Experience gives you an emotional boost. Being stable, that a defeat doesn’t make you change what you should do and that a win doesn’t make you feel better. You are as good in victory as you are in defeat. Believe in yourself and assert yourself.”
A lot has been spoken about Barcelona’s high defensive line tactics this season under Flick and how it has proven to be advantageous. When asked for his thoughts on the system, Pena remarked:
“Barça have always had the idea of defending in the opposition half. We were surprised by the exaggerated idea they [Flick and his staff] had. It was a process that we had to integrate in pre-season.
“It’s not just something for the goalkeeper and the defence, but also for the midfielders and forwards, who have to press forward in such a risky methodology.”
Continuing, he added: “On a personal level, when the ball is further away from your goal the better, it’s something that little by little you become convinced that it’s better for you.”
Concluding, Pena commented on his captain Ter Stegen and how he has grown into the role of the first-choice in the German’s absence, saying:
“Well, it’s true that I’ve been training with him for many years. Everyone has their own style, you learn as much as you can and you improve from all your teammates.
“In the end, you always have to see where you can improve. If you do a good job you will be praised.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo