Ahead of the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Newcastle United’s manager praised Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, valued at €200 million, calling him an exceptional player and a significant challenge his team hadn’t faced in the earlier meeting.
He also highlighted the effectiveness of Barcelona’s midfield trio, which controlled the game during their previous encounter, and acknowledged the team’s resilience, citing their recent comeback against Atlético Madrid as evidence of their fighting spirit.
The Newcastle boss stressed the importance of psychological preparation for what he views as one of the most important matches in the club’s recent history. He confirmed that most of his squad is fit and mentioned that Valentino Livramento might be included, despite it being a bit early.
This Champions League clash promises an intense battle, with Barcelona aiming to secure an advantage ahead of the second leg. The focus on Yamal underscores the level of threat posed by Barcelona’s young star as they seek to advance in Europe’s top competition.
