"We're focused on the first game"

STATEMENTS

Proud to be representing Benfica at the 2025 Club World Cup, Barreiro assures the eagles that “there's no fatigue” on the eve of the tournament opener against Boca Juniors, a game that's about "winning".

The Luxembourg international midfielder's confidence was evident in his words before the morning training session, at the Waters Sportsplex, in Tampa, Florida. Barreiro sees the competition's opening match against the Argentinian side on Monday, June 16, at 6:00 pm local time (11:00 continental time) as a “first step” towards securing the goal of "getting through the group stage".

I imagine you're very proud right now to represent Benfica in a competition as important as the Club World Cup.

Yes, it's a new tournament, but to be able to represent a club like Benfica in this tournament is a source of great pride.

Benfica's first game in the competition is coming up, and it's against Boca Juniors, who are one of the teams that will be bringing the most fans, so the stadium should be very well-stocked with the vast majority of Argentinian fans. They also have a season halfway through. Is that a disadvantage for you or not?

I don't think so. I know our fans will be there, we're going to concentrate on preparing for the game in the best possible way. The aim is to win this game.

Is it possible to win the competition?

The first step now is to focus on the first game, and the goal is to get through the group stage. After that, we'll take it game by game.

On a personal level, what do you hope to show this season to earn a place in the team?

I'd say the same thing I said a year ago. I'm here to help the team, to give my best, to show it in every training session, to show it in every minute I get the chance to play, and then the rest is up to the manager.

You've only just arrived. How do you feel about the internationals at this stage? A lot of accumulated fatigue?

We arrived two days ago. Yesterday [Friday] we trained a bit more relaxed, but everyone is ready. We've slept well, we're already into the rhythm of training, I don't see any fatigue.

How are you coping with the time difference and all the heat? Training early in the morning... How has all this management been?

As I said, I arrived two days ago. We trained yesterday morning, we trained this morning. I have no problem waking up early. Training in the morning is good, and so far everything is fine.

Have you spoken to Otamendi to see if he'll stay for next season?

I've already spoken to Otamendi, but I haven't talked about that. We're focused on the first game now.

This is the first official match against Boca Juniors. It's also a special moment, two giants of world football.

Yes, I don't think it's every day that you get the chance to play against one of these teams, and we're really looking forward to it, seeing what the atmosphere is going to be like and making the most of the game.

TRAINING SESSION HIGHLIGHTS