Ter Stegen, Balde, Kounde React After Athletic Club 0-1 Barcelona: “Something Special”
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s performance against Athletic club was crucial in his side’s recent 1-0 win. The veteran stopper produced a heroic display to keep his side in the game and speaking after the fixture, he pointed out the importance of the triumph.
The 30-year-old said that this was perhaps the most important win for the team in La Liga. He pressed that given his side has a nine-point lead at the top of the table, this will give the team the much-needed push ahead of the upcoming El Clasico.
“All the victories by the minimum have been suffered, but this above all,” the stopper was quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“It is already known that it is a super difficult stadium, perhaps one of the most in La Liga. We are very happy with the victory, it gives us a lot. We have defended with everyone, even on the line of goal. These games have to be won and you have to enjoy the moment. These victories are very important to win LaLiga,” he added.
Speaking further, he pressed that given the momentum, the team is now hoping to go 12 points clear of Real Madrid and for that, the team is going to do everything.
“We have suffered, but we have a nine-point lead and we are entering the week of the Clásico, which is something special and we are playing at home.
“With the support of the fans we can do something great and I hope we can go to 12 points clear. It gives a lot of peace of mind regarding the week that comes. We are going to give everything to maintain this and increase it still more,” he said.
Another player who pressed the importance of the win was a certain Alejandro Balde. The 19-year-old left-back, who started ahead of Jordi Alba, said that the players are so happy to have walked out with three points.
“We have come to a great stadium, with a great atmosphere. It was very important to leave here with a victory. We have to know how to suffer in these games. It is important. We have come out with the three points and I am very happy for the team,” said Balde.
“In La Liga, there are many quality players like Nico or Inaki Williams. I try to give my best every day and do better in defence,” he added.
Referee made the right call over Williams’ goal: Kounde
Meanwhile, one cannot overlook the performance of a certain Jules Kounde against Athletic Club as well. Regaining his position as a centre-back, the former Sevilla man made a goal-line clearance to deny Yuri Berchiche.
Furthermore, he also played his due diligence in making sure Inaki Williams’ goal was disallowed. Speaking about the incident, the Frenchman said
“I was disappointed to concede the goal, but it was the right decision. I saw it on television and it’s a handball. Afterwards, there may be controversy and it can be debated, but for me it’s a hand. The referee has made the right decision.”
“It’s true that lately, we’re having difficulties and we don’t have the capacity to close the games, to get that 2-0 scoreline that gives us more peace of mind. We’ve suffered and we knew it would be difficult and at San Mames, it was always difficult to play,” he added.
“In a very long season, sometimes you play well and other times you are less successful. Lately, with the ball it has been a little more difficult for us, we don’t have the best feelings, but everyone does their job. We all fight for the team. That is the key,” he concluded.
