Barry: “I can feel a special connection with the fans and that motivates me to score more goals”

The French striker has underlined his quick adaptation to being at Villarreal and the connection he has with the Yellows’ support

Villarreal CF forward Thierno Barry appeared before the media on Wednesday to analyse the current situation of the Yellow Submarine, the current sporting situation and the preview of the upcoming match against Athletic Club, which will be kick-off on Sunday at 9pm CEST at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

The French striker acknowledged that the squad is still dreaming about the Champions League ahead of the important clash against Athletic Club: “We’re really looking forward to it. I think we have, as a team, the capacity to reach that Champions League place. The team is in the hunt for that position. Athletic have the advantage, but often those who have the advantage feel the pressure more than those who are chasing it. We are fighting for that objective with the illusion and the strength to achieve it and I hope that will play in our favour.”

Likewise, the young striker confessed that it would be a personal dream to play in the top continental competition with Villarreal CF: “I’d love to. It’s a tournament played by the best players in the world. I’ve grown up watching the Champions League and for me it would be the best.”

Thierno Barry has also acknowledged that he feels very much loved by the Villarreal fans, with whom he has connected from the very first moment. “I have felt a special connection from the beginning. I know that to win the hearts of the fans you have to sweat the shirt and give everything for the team. People cheer me on a lot and that makes me go out there with a lot of energy to score goals. I hope that the relationship with our fans continues like this.”

As for his goalscoring contribution, the Yellows No.15 was confident about his numbers: “I’ve scored nine goals. I’m not surprised. I’ve worked hard and I came from scoring a lot of goals in Switzerland. I’ve integrated well and I’ve had the confidence of the head coach and my team-mates, but I still have a lot more to give on the pitch. I can do it.”

Finally, Barry praised the high level of attackers that the Submarine have: “We have a great striker and I’m proud to be able to share an eleven with top level players like Ayoze, Gerard and Pepe. We’re going to need a lot of goals from all of them to reach the Champions League.”