Barcelona Winger Takes Responsibility for Consecutive Losses, Backs Team to Compete With Europe’s Best Ahead of Aston Villa Clash
BARCELONA: Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon has insisted that his team are not inferior to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or Real Madrid despite suffering defeats against both European giants in recent weeks.
Hansi Flick’s side had maintained an unbeaten record until their 4-2 defeat against reigning European champions PSG on October 20. Barcelona then suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Real Madrid in the Clasico on October 25.
The consecutive setbacks raised questions about Barcelona’s ability to compete against Europe’s strongest teams, particularly in major Champions League encounters.
However, Gordon rejected suggestions that PSG and Real Madrid are superior to Barcelona.
“I don’t think they’re above us. We have to take responsibility for both losses because they’re the two biggest games we played so far this season and we lost, but I don’t think they’re above us,” Gordon told reporters.
He described Barcelona as a fantastic team capable of beating any opponent on a given day.
Gordon Highlights PSG’s Rest Advantage
Gordon also pointed to Barcelona’s demanding schedule before the defeat against PSG, arguing that the French champions benefited from having more time to rest their players.
He noted that PSG had rested their entire team in their domestic league match the previous weekend, while Barcelona did not have the same opportunity.
Gordon acknowledged that his team must accept responsibility for the defeat but believed the difference in recovery time gave PSG a significant advantage.
Barcelona Deserved Better Against Real Madrid
Reflecting on the Clasico defeat, Gordon said Barcelona had performed well and created better opportunities but failed to make the most of their chances.
Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory through a late goal from Kylian Mbappe after Barcelona’s defensive mistakes proved costly.
Gordon said Barcelona had enjoyed greater possession and created better chances, but admitted the team was slightly below its best.
He added that mistakes against opponents of Real Madrid’s quality can quickly change the outcome of important matches.
The Barcelona winger said the team would learn from the experience and looked forward to facing top-level opposition again.
Aston Villa Await Barcelona in Champions League
Barcelona will host Premier League side Aston Villa on Tuesday as they look to return to winning ways in the Champions League. They will then travel to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga.
Gordon dismissed suggestions that facing an English club would provide extra motivation simply because of his previous experience in English football.
He praised Aston Villa’s quality and described their manager, Unai Emery, as one of the best coaches in the world.
Villa have made an impressive start to their Champions League campaign, winning all three of their matches against Viking, Fenerbahce and Club Brugge.
Gordon Promises More After Barcelona Move
Barcelona signed the 25-year-old winger from Newcastle United during the summer in a transfer deal that could reportedly reach €80 million ($89 million).
Gordon has recorded three goals and five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions since joining the Spanish champions.
Although satisfied with his initial performances, he believes he has considerably more to offer.
He described the transfer as a major change for himself and his family, adding that he needs more time to settle into his new surroundings.
Gordon said he had made a positive start but remained confident that supporters would see his best performances once he became fully settled at Barcelona.
