Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to challenge for every title this season.
The 21-year-old, speaking to Mundo Deportivo, shared his thoughts on the team’s performance so far and the potential for success moving forward.
When asked about the first part of the season, Casado remained optimistic, saying that both the team and the fans should be pleased with the start. However, he acknowledged that the past month has been more challenging.
“Well, with hope. I think that both the team and the fans have to be happy in general with this start, although it is true that this last month has been a little more complicated,” he began saying.
Recent struggles
Marc Casado admits Barcelona have not been at their best. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
While Barcelona began the season in impressive fashion, Casado admitted that recent matches have not lived up to expectations, with the level of play dropping.
He emphasized that all teams experience highs and lows throughout the season, but the key for Barcelona is to understand where things have gone wrong and make the necessary adjustments.
“All teams have good and bad moments during the season. It is true that the last few league games have not gone as we expected.
“I think it has not been a good stretch of the season, but the important thing is that the team knows what we have to do to change things and we will do it.”
Conversations with Hansi Flick
Casado explains his conversations with Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Casado, who has regular discussions with manager Hansi Flick on the pitch, explained the coach’s tactical demands.
Flick asks him to maintain good positioning, bring intensity, and help organize the team, especially during moments when the squad appears uncomfortable.
“We talk a lot because when I see that the team feels uncomfortable on the pitch, I go to talk to him to find out what he thinks needs to be changed or what we need to be more comfortable.
“He asks me above all to be well positioned, to be intense and to organize the team a bit.”
Partnership with Pedri
Casado has nothing but praise for Pedri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Speaking about his partnership with Pedri in the double pivot, Casado was full of praise for the young Spanish midfielder.
He described Pedri as a world-class player, noting that his presence on the field makes his own job much easier.
“Well, it’s clear that he’s a world-class player. I think he’s one of the best in his position and he shows it in every game. He makes my job on the pitch much easier,” he explained.
Casado also expressed how enjoyable it is to play alongside someone with Pedri’s talent.
“Playing with him makes everything easier. And I’m very happy to be able to share the midfield with him.”
Thoughts on Lamine Yamal
Casado is in awe of Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Reflecting on the players who have impressed him the most, Casado mentioned Lamine Yamal.
He recalled the first time he played alongside Yamal during a Youth League match against AZ and was immediately struck by his quality and enthusiasm.
“Lamine Yamal, but that was when I saw him for the first time. I think I played with him against AZ in the Youth League, I think it was in the round of 16.”
Casado believes that players like Yamal bring fresh energy to the team, and their quality is undeniable.
“The truth is that he surprised me. You could see a lot of things in him. Nowadays, the people who come up do so with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of quality.”
Title chances
Marc Casado feels Barcelona can challenge for every title. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Looking ahead, Casado is confident that Barcelona can compete for all the major trophies this season.
While acknowledging the setbacks in recent league games, he emphasized the importance of learning from those mistakes and addressing the issues that have hindered the team’s progress.
“Yes, I think so. I think it gives us something to think about.
“I think that the important thing is, above all, to correct these errors that have killed us a bit in these last few league games and to know what we are doing wrong in order to change it,” he noted.
When asked about the prospect of winning the Champions League after recent disappointments, Casado did not rule out the possibility.
He stated that while it might seem ambitious, the team is determined to approach every match with enthusiasm and give their best in the hope of achieving success.
“Well, what we are sure of is that we will play every game with great enthusiasm so hopefully that will be the case,” he added.