There is a quiet assurance about Pau Cubarsí that belies his nineteen years. Speaking to the media on Tuesday ahead of Barcelona's Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Newcastle United at the Spotify Camp Nou, the young Catalan centre-back was calm, focused and characteristically direct.


**On Qualifying and the Newcastle Challenge**


Cubarsí had no doubts about the outcome tomorrow night. "We have to get through this round, no matter what. We'll try to do it with the help of all the Culés," he said, before adding a note of respect for the opponent. "The intensity they had on their home field was spectacular. We already knew that because we played them in the league phase. We lacked a bit of rhythm in the first leg, but it will be different at home."


When asked whether Barcelona's youth was a disadvantage against a more experienced Newcastle side, Cubarsí pushed back firmly. "The most important thing isn't experience — it's how you approach the game and how you go into it. It's a knockout round, and even though we played in the semis last year, it doesn't mean we're going to win. You have to give it your all. And we will."


**On the Team's Current Form and Defensive Improvement**


Cubarsí pointed to a noticeable shift in Barcelona's defensive solidity over recent weeks. "We've tweaked a few things in the defensive line that weren't quite working at the start of the season. Now, we're at a great level. Every available player can perform at their best, and that helps the team. If we trust the coaching staff, we can achieve great things."


He also addressed the squad's physical readiness after a demanding run of fixtures. "We've been able to recharge our batteries. We're coming in with good momentum and solid results. Playing every three days doesn't give you much time, but you have to find moments to prepare mentally. Tomorrow we'll go all out, as always."


**On Cancelo's Return**


One of the more personal moments in the press conference came when Cubarsí was asked about Joao Cancelo's return to the squad after injury. The bond between the two is clearly genuine. "We're really happy he's back. When I first arrived, he had just started. He helped me a lot with settling in. He's an amazing player and it's great to have such a versatile player back. He's a true member of the Barça family."


**On the Laporta Election and Player Involvement**


Cubarsí was also pressed on whether Joan Laporta had "used" his relationship with the players to boost his election campaign — a question that has circulated in the Catalan press this week. The defender handled it with diplomacy. "As a player and as a member, everyone is free to express themselves as they wish. I'm keeping my vote to myself, but Laporta has been elected president and we congratulate him. He came to visit us and told us to be ourselves, to keep it up, and to continue being a family."


**On Facing the Best in the World**


For a teenager, Cubarsí's mental framework for facing elite opponents is striking. "In a Champions League match, you have to face the best in the world game after game. For me, that's not a problem. I focus on myself, on the strengths I can bring to the table, and on how I can mentally prepare to give my best." He refused to single out any Newcastle player as a specific threat, keeping his mindset resolutely internal. "Newcastle have great players. The most important thing is how we start the game and the things we need to do well."


Barcelona host Newcastle at 18:45 CET on Wednesday. A draw or better takes Flick's side into the quarter-finals.