RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesBarcelona ace Marc Bernal dismisses Man City, Atletico links: ‘I don’t give it any importance’
Barcelona have a very talented midfield filled with La Masia graduates, and one of them with a very high ceiling is Marc Bernal.
The 19-year-old Spaniard was one of Hansi Flick’s first bets when he joined as manager of the Catalan club, but an ACL injury prevented him from gaining as much prominence as some others.
The Spaniard made a successful return last season and had a spell where he was one of the team’s best midfielders.
With Frenkie de Jong out injured for the foreseeable future, Bernal could get an extended run of games at the start of the new season.
Speaking in an interview with AS , the 19-year-old midfielder made it clear that his long-term future lies at Camp Nou while also discussing his recovery from injury, Barcelona’s ambitions and his hopes for the new season.
Bernal focused only on Barcelona
Bernal was recently linked with clubs including Manchester City and Atletico Madrid , but he revealed those reports have had little effect on him.
“It’s true that I’ve seen it, but I don’t give it any importance,” he said.
Fully focused on Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“I’m here on the preseason camp preparing myself, and that’s all I’m focused on.”
The midfielder also addressed his contract situation, with talks over a renewal reportedly on the agenda.
“I’m focused on having a good preseason. That’s something for my agent to deal with,” Bernal explained.
“But my wish is to stay here for many years.”
Ready after injury setback
Bernal also confirmed he has fully recovered from the injury that disrupted his progress.
“Yes, I feel really good,” he said.
“I’d even say I’m better than ever. Now it’s about preparing for what’s coming and achieving our objectives.”
The midfielder revealed Hansi Flick has simply asked him to make the most of pre-season as he starts on equal footing with the rest of the squad.
“He asked me to make the most of preseason because this is a season where I start from zero alongside the rest of the team,” Bernal said.
The teenager also shared his first impressions of Barcelona’s summer arrivals.
“We haven’t been able to meet Gordon yet, but we played against him last season and he’s a top player,” he said.
On Karim Adeyemi, Bernal added: “He’s surprised me a lot.”
Eyes on silverware
Looking ahead to the campaign, Bernal stressed that Barcelona’s ambition remains unchanged.
Targeting the Champions League. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“The Champions League is both an objective and a dream for all Barcelona fans,” he said.
“We know we have a group with enormous potential and that we can win it.”
He also warned against becoming obsessed with Europe’s biggest prize.
“If you become obsessed and think you have to win it no matter what, that’s when things don’t go well,” Bernal explained.
“If we do things properly and stay humble, success will come.”
Bernal may be just 19 right now, but his words suggest maturity beyond his years, a trait seen in most La Masia graduates.
The Spaniard belongs to La Masia ’s class of 2007, which has already given Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal to the world.
Bernal will want to reach the same heights as those two, and this season offers him the perfect chance to begin his journey towards that.
With the injury now behind him, the next few months could prove crucial for Bernal, and it remains to be seen whether he can make the most of the opportunity and have a breakthrough campaign.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.