Ferran Torres talks Pedri, Xavi, Guiu, ‘shark’ mentality ahead of Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk

After the narrow win over Athletic Club at the weekend, Xavi Hernandez and Barcelona’s focus shifts to the UEFA Champions League.

The team have won both of their opening clashes in the competition. On Wednesday night, they face the third team in their group, Shakhtar Donetsk, at Montjuic.

Ferran Torres faced the media ahead of Barcelona’s midweek UCL clash and spoke about a plethora of topics ranging from his role to his teammates. He began by stating that the impending Clasico would have no role in deciding the team’s play tomorrow.

“You can’t focus on that game, you have to focus on the next one. Add three points and be closer to the classification. Then, Madrid.”

Torres went on to encourage his teammates to strive for the pinnacle of football and emphasised that the sky was the limit at Barcelona.

“Barça is obliged to win and play well. The Champions League is the Champions League and achieving the three points is extra motivation for the weekend.”

“Yes, Barça is a club forced to win all the competitions and yes, the environment sometimes throws stones on its roof. But it goes with the history of the club, it is obliged to win and that pressure in the end is good,” he added.

On his mental fortitude

Speaking about his ‘shark’ mentality and confidence ahead of the Champions League game, Torres said: “I am very confident, trying to give my best version in everything that can help.”

“Simply every time I’m on the field, it doesn’t matter if I am a starter or a substitute, I try to give my best and help by scoring or attending,” he added, emphasising that it did not matter if his minutes came off the bench or as a starter.

Torres continued to exude confidence in his interview as he further detailed his ability to make a tangible difference in the team.

“I always have positive confidence, I feel that the team will give everything, I am sure that the team will give everything,” he said.

“I have a lot of ambition and I demand a lot of myself, of course, I can give more, I can always improve,” he added.

Finally, the Spaniard commented on his nickname ‘The Shark’ and explained its roots.

“I did the ‘Shark’ thing because it was going in the direction of my mentality. I see that for young people and they are going through bad times it can be a help.”

On his role in Barcelona

The winger then shifted the focus of his press conference on his role in the team, as a player, a teammate, and a stakeholder in the club’s success. He began by highlighting his relationship with Xavi Hernandez, saying:

“He has always been there, he has given me good advice and made me play. He is the one who gave me confidence to come when I signed and has always given me confidence.”

“Yes, I feel important, for me the key has been to do the preseason and also the signings. The competition is good,” he added when asked if he felt valued at the club.

Commenting on the recovery of his teammate and compatriot Pedri, who will miss tomorrow’s clash, he said:

“I am helping in everything I can. He is a very close friend, but the priority is that everyone recovers completely. Soon they will be with us.”

Torres also elaborated on his role as a mentor in the team, especially towards the young academy graduates who have become the core of the side.

“I feel like an old man next to the youngest, I try to give the advice I can: at their age, I was also there. I hope they take it in the best possible way. They are young and get a lot of pressure, but they have the ability to do it.”

Finally, he concluded his interview with a comment of praise towards the team’s latest young sensation, Marc Guiu.

“Marc Guiu helped us as much as possible. In 35 seconds he scored, he has the quality.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo