Thomas Vermaelen: People think playing for Barcelona is easy

Thomas Vermaelen gave an interview to the Guardian in which he said it’s harder than people think to play in defence for Barcelona.

The Belgian has enjoyed this season after finally finding his fitness and starting a run of games when Samuel Umtiti was out injured.

“People have a bit of a wrong view of defenders in Barcelona because they think: ‘Ah it’s an easy job, they only attack, attack, attack’ but the demands are very high,” said Vermaelen.

“Playing in the other team’s half doesn’t just happen by itself. It’s because we keep them under constant pressure. If you let them come on to you, we will be under pressure so you push up, push up, push up, every time.

“That means you have 50 metres at your back and that’s not always easy. Nor is playing out from the back. Sometimes it would just be easier to kick it forward and that’s it, but that’s not our way, and it’s a bit more enjoyable to play.”

On the Clasico, which he started: “I gained confidence and the clásico was a bit of a present for me because Mascherano came back as well, so I wasn’t sure if I was starting. I was very honoured I could play that game.”