Newcastle United’s Joelinton is hoping for a more enjoyable Barcelona experience this time around as his team heads to Catalonia. In recent years, the Toon star has travelled between Tyneside and Barcelona to consult a specialist for injury concerns. He received a painkilling injection in January to address a groin injury.
Now, following recent victories over Man United and Chelsea, Joelinton is preparing to play at the Nou Camp. The Magpies have a significant European opportunity, with victory potentially securing a place in the last eight of a competition for the first time and a £10m prize, pushing their season earnings beyond £60m.
Joelinton’s Barcelona Perspective
“I have been to Barcelona a few times in the last few seasons for injections, but I am happy to be there to play this time!” Joelinton said. He added, “I hope we can go to the Nou Camp and perform well. We have confidence and the belief to go through.”
According to Joelinton, “To be fair, the last few games we have been playing much better and picked up points against Chelsea and Man United.” He also noted, “We held Barcelona too and we have more and more confidence each game now. If we keep pushing and trying we can still achieve our goals this season.”
Fan Support in Barcelona
La Rambla has been flooded with black and white shirts as 10,000 Toon fans arrive for the game, including 7,000 without tickets.
Joelinton acknowledged the anticipated fan support: “It is something we always expect but this will be extra special. To see 10,000 Geordies in Barcelona is incredible.”
“They will be very important for us. I hope we can deliver a good performance for them,” Joelinton stated. “I hope it is a good trip for everyone. We hope they enjoy it and we enjoy with them too. If we give our best we can give them a result.”
Recent Victory Over Chelsea
Newcastle are arriving in Barcelona on a high note after their 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Joelinton came on as a substitute during the match.
“It was a massive win away from home. We got a clean sheet, and there were a lot of positives to take, we showed a great mentality to get the three points,” Joelinton said.
Joelinton also stated, “We’re very happy with everything. Going to Chelsea has never been easy and it was my first time to win there. So it is a great feeling. We have had difficult games here but we got over the line and took the win. The guys that came in did a great job and worked hard for the team, showing that great mentality.”
Potential Midfield Partnership
Whether Joelinton starts alongside Nick Woltemade in midfield at the Nou Camp remains to be seen. Joelinton is happy whether he plays with him in the middle or sees him pushed into his original striker slot.
The Brazilian enforcer said: “Every time Nick ha