"I made it clear to the club that I didn't want to leave, my plan is to stay"

Barcelona's participation in the 2025-26 Champions League gets underway with a trip to Newcastle this Thursday. Andreas Christensen was the player chosen to appear in the press room alongside Hansi Flick, and he shared his initial thoughts ahead of the match on English soil.

"We're in the Champions League, and it's going to be high-tempo. It's something we have to be ready for. The atmosphere will be a big part of the match. It's one of the best I've experienced," the Dane began.

Christensen was clear about his future at the club: "I made it clear to the club in the summer that I didn't want to leave. I wanted to come back strong. Last year was difficult for me. I came back a bit earlier in pre-season to be ready. I hope to stay. I think it depends on my performance. I want to stay here; that's my plan."

On the competition for places: "We are all playing well. You have to be ready for when the manager needs us."

"I feel very good right now. Last season, there was a lot of overload. I feel good, and the physios are working well with me. They take good care of us. Returning to the team in good shape is good for me, and I'm ready to work and fight," he said about his fitness after last season's injuries.

The atmosphere at St. James' Park: "You shouldn't think about it. It's an important part of the game, but they're going to press behind every action. We have to manage it. It has been part of our preparation. It's a difficult stadium, and we'll have to keep calm. We have to play our game."

Christensen spoke about the excitement and how special the Champions League is at Barcelona: "Every season is special in the Champions League. Last year, we almost reached the final. People are very hungry to reach the final. It's a goal for us. We're pushing for it. It hurt us. It was the last minute of the match."

Words of affection for Rashford: "I speak English, and it's easy to connect with him. He's bringing quality and has settled in well into the team. He has to show his quality. He is becoming more and more familiar with the system. He has been very good for the group. We have a young group, and he can relate to them. It's great to have Marcus' qualities."

About his possible starting place: "You have to ask Hansi. I hope so, but we are all ready when we are called upon. I hope so, but I have no idea."

On the other hand, Christensen also referred to the issue of the week, Lamine's absence: "A player like Lamine is made for these matches. We will miss him. He's doing great and lives for these moments. We were hoping to have him."

"Last season we introduced it. There are times when you want to take a step back, but we are doing great. The most complicated part is the timing," the Danish centre-back concluded about playing with a high line.