“We will remember it for the rest of our lives”: Barcelona trio send heartfelt message following debut against Valencia
Barcelona trio Pau Victor, Marc Bernal and Gerard Martin made their senior team debut in the La Liga opener with Valencia on Sunday (August 18) at the Mestalla. Despite a shaky start, Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-1 win.
While Bernal started, Martin and Victor came off the bench in the second half. Echoing the emotion of all three players, Victor said:
“Last year, we all grew a lot, and we will remember it for the rest of our lives. The staff helped us a lot to grow in the reserve team."
Victor was introduced in the 86th minute after he was substituted for Lamine Yamal as new manager Hansi Flick showed faith in the youngster after a successful pre-season stint.
He recalled being nervous about whether he would get a chance to play and also revealed what Flick told him before the game:
“Flick asked me to be myself, to press up because I was already missing out due to fatigue, and to be bold, to play my game, which is why I came on. And when you come on the nerves disappear and you focus on doing the best you can."
The 22-year-old continued:
"It’s another dream come true. I’m in a very good moment personally, enjoying football. You can’t ask for more when you make your debut with Barça in the League; it’s a moment I’ll always remember and I’ll want to keep working and improving."
He concluded by showing gratitude towards everyone who have helped him so far.
Barcelona left-back Gerard Martin said that he had anticipated his debut in the second half
Gerard Martin came onto the pitch in the 63rd minute when he replaced an injured Alejandro Balde at left-back.
Martin said that he had started to warm up as soon as Balde took a blow in the first half. The young left-back also expressed his gratitude to youth team manager Rafa Marquez and all members of the coaching staff.
"I have noticed my improvement and I am very grateful to them,” he said.
Barcelona's Marc Bernal talked about 'unforgettable moment' and playing together with Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick started Marc Bernal alongside Marc Casado as a double-pivot in midfield.
The 17-year-old admitted that he didn't expect to be included in the starting lineup as he reflected on his debut:
“It is a special and unforgettable moment that you imagine and dream about since you were little. It helps you on a personal level and on the field; it makes all this as easy as possible. We talked about it with my teammates, like with Marc Casadó: last season was essential."
He also mentioned about other youngsters and how sharing the pitch with them made his debut more special.
“So many years playing together with Lamine from a very young age and with Pau Cubarsí a little later makes everything very special,” commented Bernal.
The 17-year-old concluded by thanking the manager for putting his faith in him:
“Giving a 17-year-old boy his debut is not easy and I will always be grateful to the manager for that. I see it as something unique."
Barcelona play their next game at home against Athletic Club on August 24. They are second in the league table, behind surprise leaders Celta Vigo.