Ahead of Galatasaray's Champions League match against Barcelona, Torreira was interviewed by TNT Mexico, discussing Barcelona's strength, comparisons between Yamal and Messi, and the team's game plan.
We are now at the Galatasaray training base. On Tuesday, we will bring you an exciting match. With us is Lucas Torreira, one of Galatasaray's key players. Lucas, you're facing Barcelona—this is a big one, a very exciting match.
First of all, it's great to see you here again. It's familiar for us to chat with you before such an important match. This is certainly one of our most important games in this phase of the Champions League. We know we're about to face arguably the best team in the world today.
Is that really true? Do you really think so?
Without a doubt. I think at the moment they are the best team in the world. They have excellent players, many with strong individual abilities, and we're very aware of that. After playing in the league, we thoroughly analyzed their style of play, including their performance in both the league and Champions League. We will try to play to our strengths, defend well, and attack at the right moments.
Can't PSG or Manchester City come close to their level?
Yes, of course, we must also have great respect for other teams. However, I'm judging based on Barcelona's current form, their consistent performances, the dominance they've shown in the league, and the strength of their players.
We are very clear about their strength and we respect them—there's no doubt about that. But we also have our own strengths and our own style of play. We know how to approach such games, as we've proven in the Champions League before. We will try to be ready when the game starts tomorrow. I'm sure that to win such a game and earn points, we must perform at our best.
Speaking of Lamine Yamal, you've faced Messi many times, and recently Yamal has often been compared to him. You just said Barcelona is the best team in the world. So, is Yamal the best player in the world today? Is it fair to compare him to Messi?
I don't know about that. We should let him enjoy football and pursue his career as he's doing now, among the best players. He's so young and has already won many honors, and you can see he enjoys football on the pitch.
I've played against Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It's truly a unique feeling to be able to discuss these experiences with you today. Throughout my career, I've also played with many great players, and I've enjoyed playing with every one of them. Tomorrow, we'll face Barcelona. For me personally, it's also a moment to enjoy the game because we're once again on the Champions League stage.
Over the years, I've experienced many things with this club, and I have a deep affection for it. Tomorrow, I just want to enjoy the game and give my all, as we Uruguayans always do. I hope we can win, which is the most important thing for us.
You'll play in midfield, and they're also strong there. They have not only Yamal but also Rodri and Pedri. I don't know who will partner them in midfield, but one of your tasks is to win the ball from Barcelona. How do you expect your midfield to contend?
We know their characteristic is maintaining possession throughout the game. We will try to seize opportunities to win the ball from them at certain moments.
We'll also try to play our own football, because our characteristic is to try to control the game, and we will work toward that goal. Then, of course, we also need to play to our strengths and try to threaten them. They're a very good attacking team, but they also leave a lot of space when defending, and we will try to exploit those spaces. We have many talented players in midfield and attack. When defending, we must remain solid, because they can pose a great threat. I repeat: to earn points from this team, we may have to play our best game, and we will try to do that.
Thank you, Lucas. Good luck tomorrow, and we'll be there to interview you after the match.
Thank you very much. I hope tomorrow is a great day for all of us, for Turkey, and for the Galatasaray fans. Honestly, we deserve a night like tomorrow and many more like it. I hope everything turns out for the best.
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