Barcelona teenager backs himself to become a regular starter: ‘Everyone has to believe in themselves’

Barcelona teenager backs himself to become a regular starter: ‘Everyone has to believe in themselves’ La Masia ’s class of 2007 has already given the Barcelona first team two unbelievable players: Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal. Had it not been for an untimely ACL injury that kept him out of action for an entire year, it is safe to assume that Marc Bernal would already have been on the list. The teenage midfielder has made a full recovery from the injury and showcased his quality on occasion last season for Hansi Flick. Now, Bernal believes he is ready to establish himself as a regular starter for Barcelona as he begins his third season with the first team. Speaking in an interview with TV3 (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), the 19-year-old midfielder discussed his personal ambitions, Barcelona’s Champions League target and the strong Blaugrana presence in Spain’s World Cup-winning squad. Bernal confident in his ability Bernal has fully recovered from the serious knee injury he suffered during his breakthrough campaign, a setback that also affected the beginning of last season. Ready for a bigger role. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Now able to take part in pre-season from the opening day, the midfielder is focused on reaching his highest level and earning as many opportunities as possible. “My objective is to try to reach the best level possible and play as many minutes as I can to help the team,” Bernal said. The absence of Frenkie de Jong could create additional opportunities in midfield, but Bernal is not relying solely on the circumstances around him. After making 33 appearances and scoring five goals last season, he believes he has earned the right to compete for a place in Hansi Flick’s starting line-up. “I see myself as a starter,” he said. “Everyone has to believe in themselves and in everything they can offer and contribute to the team.” Champions League remains the dream Bernal also made it clear that Barcelona’s collective ambition extends beyond domestic success. “The objective is the Champions League, and it always has been,” he said. “In the end, it is a trophy that everyone wants to win, and it is what we work toward every day.” Champions League remains the ultimate goal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) That confidence reflects the expectations surrounding Flick’s squad. Barcelona have a young group, but many of those players already possess significant experience at club and international level. Proud of Barcelona’s Spain influence Bernal was also asked about Spain’s World Cup triumph. He watched the tournament from a distance after featuring in a friendly before Luis de la Fuente’s squad travelled to the United States. “Having eight Barcelona players in the national team means we have a very good group, and that is extremely positive,” Bernal said. There is absolutely no doubt that the teenager would have wished to be part of the squad that lifted the World Cup in the United States. He came close to making it, but La Roja ’s depth in midfield meant that he could not break into the team ahead of more established names. Bernal is on the verge of a breakthrough season, and the 2026-27 campaign could be when he finally comes into his own under Hansi Flick. An important pre-season and next few months lie ahead of the Spaniard, and it remains to be seen how he develops.