Barcelona is preparing to face Newcastle United in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at St. James' Park, relying on the home advantage at Camp Nou to increase their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

In a press conference before the anticipated match, young defender Pau Kouparsi said: 'The focus should be only on ourselves. We will face a strong team without a doubt, but we must play to the best of our abilities.'

Kouparsi continued: 'Newcastle has great players, and Gordon is likely ready, but our main focus is on our team. We have seen Xavi Espart's performance, who gave 100% of his capabilities, and if Cortes plays, he will be at the same level.'

Kouparsi emphasized the strength of the midfield: 'Gerard Martin is having a great season, playing more as a defensive pivot and feeling comfortable. Gerard, Ronald, Eric, and Andreas are all capable of delivering their best performance.'

The young Barcelona defender explained the team's stance regarding the average age and experience of the players: 'The most important thing is not experience, but how to focus and enter the match. This is a knockout match, and although we reached the semi-finals last season, it doesn't mean we will win.'

He added about his teammate Cancelo: 'We are very happy to have him on the team. He has helped me a lot to integrate since his arrival. He is a versatile player and happy to join us.'

Kouparsi also said: 'In the Champions League, you face the best players in every match, so I focus on myself and how to be in the best possible condition. We are young and don't have much experience, but we have the desire to give everything we have for the club. In the youth categories, we learned to play against big opponents, and regardless of age, we can deliver maximum performance.'

Regarding the team's defensive improvement, he explained: 'We made some simple adjustments in the defense line, and now every player is available at an excellent level, and this helps the team. If we trust the coaching staff's philosophy, everything will succeed.'

Kouparsi confirmed the club's management support: 'President Joan Laporta visited us and congratulated us on his victory. He told us to be ourselves and to continue as one family, as this is what brings us titles.'

About the physical condition: 'We managed to regain energy and are in good condition. Playing every three days doesn't give you much time, but you have to find moments for mental focus, and tomorrow we will play with everything we have as usual.'

He added about his stance in the elections: 'Every player and member is free to express themselves. I kept my vote to myself, but congratulations to Laporta on winning the presidency, and we are focused on tomorrow's match.'

Kouparsi concluded his talk about the Newcastle match: 'It is a very important match. We must qualify at any cost. We play the second match at home after a good result, and with the support of all Barcelona fans, we will try to qualify for the next round.'