Gerard Martin, Marc Bernal and Pau Victor were all delighted to make their debuts for Barcelona in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Valencia sport.
Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin and Pau Victor all enjoyed first-team debuts. As Barcelona beat Valencia 2-1 in their season opener on Saturday. Mundo Deportivo reported on Monday.UFABET
Bernal, a 17-year-old midfielder was given a chance by coach Hansi Flick. Handing him a starting spot in the away game at Mestalla. Where the Blaugrana won 2-1.
‘It’s a special and memorable moment that you imagine and dream about since you were a kid.’ Bernal said. ‘It helps you on a personal level and on the pitch. It makes everything a lot easier. We talked about it with our teammates. like Marc Casado said last season was necessary. ‘
‘The years of playing with Lamine (Yamaal) since I was a very young boy and later with Pau Gubarsi made everything very special.’
Bernal admitted he was also surprised to start in the season opener.
But felt supported by his teammates who encouraged him and enjoyed the experience.
‘I didn’t expect to play and I will always remember it. My teammates helped me and told me not to worry and that I tried to enjoy every moment.’
‘Giving a 17-year-old boy his first game is not easy and I will always be grateful to the coach for that. I see it as something special.’
While Martin, the 22-year-old left-back who wore the number 35 shirt and was brought on in place of Alejandro Balde in the 63rd minute, said he was delighted to have the opportunity to play for the team he has always admired.
‘I have been a Barça player since I was a kid and it was a dream come true. It was an honour to have this opportunity. After Balde got injured in the first half, I went out to warm up and in the second half I was more mentally prepared that maybe I would have to play.’
The 22-year-old left-back also thanked Rafael Marquez and the former Barca Athletic coach’s backroom staff, saying: ‘I have noticed the progress I have made and I am very grateful to them.’
Meanwhile.
Pau Victor, who came on in the 86th minute, was waiting for his chance on the bench, not sure if he would get a chance, after impressing in a pre-season friendly.
‘I was on the bench, a little bit nervous. And I didn’t know if he would call me or not. I was nervous when he called me.’ Pau Victor said. ‘Flick asked me to be myself, to press more up front, after I had missed chances because of fatigue, and to have the courage to play my game. That’s why I play and when you come on the pitch, the anxiety goes away and you focus on doing your best. ‘
‘It’s another dream come true. I’m in a great moment right now to enjoy football. You can’t ask for more when you play your first game with Barca in the league. It’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life and I want to keep working and improving.’
The 22-year-old forward Barcelona also expressed his gratitude to his family. Friends and coaching staff throughout his career. And expressed his strong desire to continue working hard and improving as a player.
‘Last year we all grew a lot and we will remember this for the rest of our lives. The staff helped us grow a lot in the reserve team.’ Pau Victor said. ‘My girlfriend, parents, siblings who have always helped me are very happy, and my childhood friends too.’